HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) is warning residents about potential listeria contamination in MYY Trade Co. enoki mushrooms sold locally.
The affected mushrooms were sold at Palama Supermarket stores in 7.05-ounce plastic packages (UPC 8 809201 000039) with the lot code “136” printed near the barcode.
The warning comes after routine testing by the DOH’s Food and Drug Branch (FDB) found the presence of Listeria monocytogenes — a bacteria that can cause serious illness, particularly in pregnant individuals, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
While healthy individuals may experience fever, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea, for vulnerable groups, the infection can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or even death.
Though no illnesses have been reported in Hawaii, the DOH is advising consumers to check the lot number on any enoki mushrooms they may have purchased.
If the product is part of the affected batch, it should be discarded immediately.
The DOH also recommends thoroughly cooking enoki mushrooms before eating and avoiding their use in raw dishes or as garnishes.
For those who may have already consumed the contaminated mushrooms and are experiencing symptoms, the DOH urges them to contact a physician right away.