Phillips Mushroom Farms of Kennett Square, Pa., announced the decision to recall 3.5 ounce, 4 ounce, and 1 pound packages of enoki mushrooms over fear they may be contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The products, which were distributed in the U.S. and Canada in retail and food service channels, tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

 

There have been no reported cases of people getting sick, the company said.

The Gram-positive bacteria can cause the infection listeriosis. Some studies suggest that 1-10% of humans may be intestinal carriers of L. monocytogenes. The bacteria can be killed by pasteurization, cooking and thorough washing. Most L. monocytogenes are pathogenic to some degree and they resist the deleterious effects of freezing, drying.

 

The company continues to investigate the source of the potential contamination.

Consumers are asked to return the mushrooms to the place of purchase for a full refund.

“We are naturally concerned with continuing to ensure the satisfaction and safety of our consumers,” Phillips General Manager Jim Angelucci said, in a news release. “Our actions are intended to remove all potentially harmful products and eliminate any associated risks.”

Listeria affects primarily the elderly, pregnant women, newborns and people with weakened immune system.The manifestations of listeriosis include septicemia, meningitis (or meningoencephalitis), encephalitis, and intrauterine or cervical infections in pregnant women, which may result in spontaneous abortion, according to the FDA. Listeriosis symptoms also include fever, muscle aches, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues. Listeriosis does not cause an illness in most healthy people, according to the health department.