2016-2019 Multistate Outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes Infections Linked to Enoki Mushrooms

In March 2020 the CDC announced an investigation of a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to consumption of enoki mushrooms. Using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that were part of the outbreak, the CDC identified 36 people infected with the outbreak strain. Cases resided in 17 states. Listeria samples from ill people were collected from November 23, 2016 to December 13, 2019. Of 32 ill people with information available, 31 hospitalizations were reported. Four deaths were reported from California, Hawaii, and New Jersey. Six cases were pregnancy-associated and two resulted in fetal loss. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicated that enoki mushrooms labeled as "Product of Korea" were the likely source of this outbreak. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development collected mushrooms for testing from a grocery store where an ill person purchased enoki mushrooms. Two samples of enoki mushrooms yielded the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. On March 9, 2020 Sun Hong Foods, Inc. recalled enoki mushrooms (UPC 7 426852 625810) labeled as "Product of Korea."

Overview

Outbreak began:November 2016
Affected country:US
States/territories:AZ, CA, FL, HI, IN, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, RI, TN, VA, WA
Pathogen:Listeria monocytogenes
Vehicle(s):Enoki Mushrooms
Brand name(s):Sun Hong Foods, Inc., Guan's Mushroom Co, Golden Medal Mushroom, Inc., Marquis Worldwide Specialty, Inc., Rainfield Marketing Group, Inc., H&C Food Inc., California Terra Garden, Inc.
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:36
Number hospitalized:30
Number of deaths:4

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents