Nationwide recall of Hofood99 Inc.’s Enoki Mushrooms exposes Americans to deadly Listeria risk even as the FDA acknowledges zero reported illnesses so far.
Key Takeaways
- Hofood99 Inc. has recalled all 200-gram green plastic packages of Enoki Mushrooms with UPC code 6 976532 310051 due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination
- The contamination was discovered through routine testing by Michigan’s Department of Agriculture, though no illnesses have been reported to date
- Listeria poses serious risks to pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals, with symptoms potentially taking up to 70 days to develop
- Consumers should immediately return affected products for a refund or discard them, and can contact Hofood99 at 917-756-9833 with questions
Another Food Safety Alert Under Biden Administration’s FDA
The FDA has announced that Hofood99 Inc. is recalling all of its Enoki Mushrooms distributed nationwide due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. These mushrooms, sold in 200-gram green plastic packages with the UPC code 6 976532 310051, were identified as potentially hazardous after routine testing. While the recall was initiated on June 11, 2025, the Biden administration’s FDA has been criticized for its handling of various food safety concerns throughout its tenure.
“The contamination was discovered after samples were collected from a store in Michigan and subsequent analysis by Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) Laboratory Division revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes,” stated FDA.
Despite no illnesses being reported so far, the potential risks associated with Listeria contamination are severe, particularly for vulnerable populations. Pregnant women face the risk of miscarriages or stillbirths, while the elderly and those with compromised immune systems could develop life-threatening infections. The FDA’s warning comes as many Americans already face economic challenges with inflation-driven food costs, leaving many households with fewer safe, affordable options.
Understanding the Health Risks of Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes presents unique challenges for detection and treatment. Unlike other foodborne pathogens, symptoms can take up to 70 days to develop after exposure, making it difficult to trace the source of infection. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. For pregnant women, symptoms may initially appear as mild flu-like illness but can lead to devastating consequences for their unborn children.
Diagnosing Listeria infections requires specific laboratory tests, often delaying proper treatment. While healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, those with weakened immune systems face potentially fatal infections. The FDA’s handling of food safety alerts has come under scrutiny during President Trump’s administration, with critics pointing to the need for stronger protections for American consumers.
FDA’s Role in Food Safety Recalls
“Most recalls in the U.S. are carried out voluntarily by the product manufacturer and when a company issues a public warning, typically via news release, to inform the public of a voluntary product recall, the FDA shares that release on our website as a public service,” stated FDA.
“The FDA’s role during a voluntary, firm-initiated, recall is to review the recall strategy, evaluate the health hazard presented by the product, monitor the recall, and as appropriate alert the public and other companies in the supply chain about the recall,” stated FDA.
While the FDA claims to monitor recalls effectively, many conservatives have questioned whether the agency has the proper resources or focus to protect American consumers from contaminated foods, particularly imported products. Hofood99’s recall adds to growing concerns about food safety oversight, especially as American families continue to struggle with rising grocery costs. Consumers who have purchased the affected mushrooms are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard them immediately, and can contact Hofood99 Inc. at 917-756-9833 with questions.
