Listeria monocytogenes United States, Republic of Korea · 2016 to 2020

Listeria outbreak linked to enoki mushrooms, United States, 2016 to 2020

CDC reported 36 people infected in 17 states, 31 hospitalised and 4 deaths. Six illnesses were pregnancy-associated, with two fetal losses. Epidemiologic, traceback and laboratory evidence identified enoki mushrooms from Green Co. LTD of the Republic of Korea as the likely source. FDA placed the company on Import Alert in April 2020.¹

Counts as reported on 9 June 2020.¹ Food vehicle: Enoki mushrooms labelled Product of Korea. Company named in official findings: Green Co. LTD (Republic of Korea).

Timeline

1. 9 March 2020Sun Hong Foods recalled enoki mushrooms.¹
2. 10 March 2020CDC first published the investigation.¹
3. 7 April 2020FDA placed Green Co. LTD on Import Alert.¹
4. 9 June 2020CDC final update. CDC said the outbreak appeared to be over.¹

Regulatory and legal outcomes

1. 7 April 2020US Food and Drug Administration. Placed Green Co. LTD on Import Alert after FDA testing confirmed the outbreak strain in two import samples.¹

Sources

1. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Enoki Mushrooms (Final Update) (9 June 2020)