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This update does not apply to any Markon First Crop, Ready-Set-Serve, or Markon Essentials products.

FOOD SAFETY UPDATE: Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Enoki Mushrooms

April 8, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to enoki mushrooms. Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory evidence indicates that enoki mushrooms labeled as “Product of Korea” are the likely source of this outbreak. This investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and if additional products are linked to illness.

CDC Advice to Consumers, Retailers, Restaurants, and Food Service Operators:

• Do not eat, serve, or sell any recalled enoki mushrooms from H&C Food Inc., Guan’s Mushroom Co., or Sun Hong Foods, Inc.
• People at higher risk for Listeria infections avoid eating any enoki mushrooms from Korea, even if they are not part of the recalls
• Wash and sanitize any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with the recalled enoki mushrooms

What we know:

• 36 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 17 states
  • 30 hospitalizations have been reported
  • Four deaths have been reported from California, Hawaii, and New Jersey
  • Six pregnancy-associated cases have been reported, of which two resulted in fetal loss
• Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 23, 2016 to December 13, 2019

Attached for your review is the CDC press release.

Markon will update members as more information becomes available.

Lianna Kelly
Food Safety Director

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