Check your fridge: This salad staple just got recalled for a serious safety risk
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If you enjoy adding a little crunch to your salad or soup, you might want to take a quick peek in your fridge.
A popular mushroom variety has just been recalled, and for older adults and people with health conditions, the warning is not something to ignore.
The FDA has issued a high-level food safety alert, urging consumers to toss this product immediately.
Listeria—a dangerous type of bacteria—was found in a batch of mushrooms sold nationwide.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and healthy.
The item in question is Enoki mushrooms sold by the brand HoFood99, a type of long, thin mushroom commonly used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.
These mushrooms were distributed in seven-ounce green plastic bags and carry the UPC code 6 976532 310051.
Although testing took place in Michigan and about 90 boxes were sold in California, the mushrooms were distributed nationwide.
That’s why the FDA has issued a Class I recall, which is the most serious level—indicating a potential for severe illness or death.
If you have these mushrooms at home, do not eat them.
Listeria monocytogenes isn’t just another foodborne bug.
It’s rare, but extremely harmful—especially for older adults, people with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women.
Each year, around 1,600 Americans get sick from listeria, and about 260 of those cases are fatal.
The bacteria can cause mild stomach issues in some, but in others, it can lead to dangerous complications like sepsis or meningitis.
Even worse, it can be especially devastating during pregnancy.
If you’ve eaten Enoki mushrooms recently, watch for symptoms over the next few days—or even weeks.
Listeria infections can take time to show up. Symptoms to look out for include:
In more serious cases, especially if the infection spreads beyond the gut, you might also experience:
Pregnant individuals should call a doctor immediately if they believe they’ve consumed the recalled product.
Contamination often starts with tainted irrigation water or unsanitary handling conditions.
In this case, the listeria was discovered during routine testing in Michigan, prompting a deeper investigation.
If the bacteria enters a processing facility, it can spread rapidly from surface to surface and product to product.
Even one contaminated batch can create a big risk for consumers across the country.
That’s why the FDA moves quickly with these kinds of recalls.
If you have HoFood99 Enoki mushrooms at home, here’s what to do:
Cooking or rinsing is not enough to kill listeria—these mushrooms should not be eaten under any circumstances.
Mild listeria infections might pass without treatment in healthy adults, but more serious cases require prescription antibiotics like ampicillin.
If symptoms escalate or affect the nervous system, hospitalization may be necessary.
Don’t wait to get help if you start feeling sick after eating a recalled product. Early treatment can make all the difference.
Recalls like this are a good reminder that kitchen hygiene really matters. Here are a few tips to keep your meals safer:
Staying alert doesn’t mean you have to give up the foods you love—it just means making smarter choices.
Food safety is no joke—when in doubt, toss it out. Your health comes first.
Read next: A popular Trader Joe’s snack has been recalled—here’s what to know
Have you ever dealt with a food recall before? Do you have tips for staying alert about food safety or avoiding foodborne illness? Share your thoughts and advice with fellow readers in the comments. Whether you’re cleaning out your fridge or just learning something new, your experience could help someone else.
A popular mushroom variety has just been recalled, and for older adults and people with health conditions, the warning is not something to ignore.
The FDA has issued a high-level food safety alert, urging consumers to toss this product immediately.
Listeria—a dangerous type of bacteria—was found in a batch of mushrooms sold nationwide.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and healthy.
Even common ingredients can pose serious health risks when contaminated—always stay updated on food recalls to keep your kitchen safe. Image Source: Pexels / Polina Tankilevitch.
What product was recalled?
The item in question is Enoki mushrooms sold by the brand HoFood99, a type of long, thin mushroom commonly used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.
These mushrooms were distributed in seven-ounce green plastic bags and carry the UPC code 6 976532 310051.
Although testing took place in Michigan and about 90 boxes were sold in California, the mushrooms were distributed nationwide.
That’s why the FDA has issued a Class I recall, which is the most serious level—indicating a potential for severe illness or death.
If you have these mushrooms at home, do not eat them.
Also read: Are you at risk? Popular ready-to-eat meal triggers urgent listeria health alert
Why listeria is a real danger
Listeria monocytogenes isn’t just another foodborne bug.
It’s rare, but extremely harmful—especially for older adults, people with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women.
Each year, around 1,600 Americans get sick from listeria, and about 260 of those cases are fatal.
The bacteria can cause mild stomach issues in some, but in others, it can lead to dangerous complications like sepsis or meningitis.
Even worse, it can be especially devastating during pregnancy.
Also read: Popular breakfast item recalled over listeria concerns—check your fridge
What symptoms should you watch for?
If you’ve eaten Enoki mushrooms recently, watch for symptoms over the next few days—or even weeks.
Listeria infections can take time to show up. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle aches
In more serious cases, especially if the infection spreads beyond the gut, you might also experience:
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
Pregnant individuals should call a doctor immediately if they believe they’ve consumed the recalled product.
These Enoki mushrooms were recently recalled due to potential listeria contamination—check your packaging and avoid consuming them. Image Source: FDA.
Also read: The shocking source of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak that’s claiming lives
How did this contamination happen?
Contamination often starts with tainted irrigation water or unsanitary handling conditions.
In this case, the listeria was discovered during routine testing in Michigan, prompting a deeper investigation.
If the bacteria enters a processing facility, it can spread rapidly from surface to surface and product to product.
Even one contaminated batch can create a big risk for consumers across the country.
That’s why the FDA moves quickly with these kinds of recalls.
Also read: Something’s growing in your fridge… and it’s not good news. Listeria risk causes recall of this food item
What you should do right now
If you have HoFood99 Enoki mushrooms at home, here’s what to do:
- Check the label for the brand, green packaging, and UPC code 6 976532 310051.
- Throw them away immediately or return them to the store for a full refund.
- Clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the mushrooms, including refrigerator shelves and cutting boards.
- Monitor your health and contact a doctor if symptoms appear, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.
Cooking or rinsing is not enough to kill listeria—these mushrooms should not be eaten under any circumstances.
How listeria is treated
Mild listeria infections might pass without treatment in healthy adults, but more serious cases require prescription antibiotics like ampicillin.
If symptoms escalate or affect the nervous system, hospitalization may be necessary.
Don’t wait to get help if you start feeling sick after eating a recalled product. Early treatment can make all the difference.
Also read: Shocking Truth Revealed: How and Where Listeria is Invading Your Food!
Staying safe in the kitchen
Recalls like this are a good reminder that kitchen hygiene really matters. Here are a few tips to keep your meals safer:
- Wash your hands and prep surfaces often
- Store food at proper temperatures
- Pay attention to expiration dates and food safety alerts
- Sign up for FDA recall notifications if you want to stay informed
Staying alert doesn’t mean you have to give up the foods you love—it just means making smarter choices.
Food safety is no joke—when in doubt, toss it out. Your health comes first.
Read next: A popular Trader Joe’s snack has been recalled—here’s what to know
Have you ever dealt with a food recall before? Do you have tips for staying alert about food safety or avoiding foodborne illness? Share your thoughts and advice with fellow readers in the comments. Whether you’re cleaning out your fridge or just learning something new, your experience could help someone else.
