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Urgent Recall Alert: Nationwide Mushroom Contamination Risk

A serious health alert has been issued for enoki mushrooms distributed nationwide due to potential listeria contamination, according to the FDA. This recall demands immediate attention, especially if you’ve recently bought mushrooms from your local grocery store.

Listeria is a dangerous bacterium, particularly threatening pregnant women, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Eating contaminated products could trigger severe symptoms, including high fever, severe headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In extreme cases, infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, neurological complications, or even death.

Specifically, Harvest NYC Inc.’s enoki mushrooms, packaged in distinctive green plastic containers weighing 200 grams, are involved. Check your kitchen for packages marked with the UPC: 6975730520101. These recalled mushrooms were distributed nationwide and carry the distributor information: Hofood99 Inc., located at 21903 56th Ave, Oakland Gardens, NY.

The contamination was discovered when samples tested positive for listeria at a grocery store in Buffalo, NY. Fortunately, there have been no reported illnesses to date. However, the FDA stresses the need for immediate action to prevent potential outbreaks.

If you purchased these mushrooms between January 11 and January 31, 2025, do NOT consume them. Instead, discard them immediately or return the package to the retailer for a full refund. Protect yourself and your family by carefully checking your fridge and pantry. Listeria infections are serious—prompt action is critical.

Why Bagged Greens May Not Be as Safe as You Think — And What to Do Instead

Bagged greens might seem like a smart shortcut to healthy eating, but behind the convenience lies a hidden risk: contamination. Food safety experts consistently rank pre-washed, bagged lettuce and spinach among the riskiest items in the grocery store. Why? Because, from farm to packaging to your fridge, leafy greens are exposed to bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella at nearly every step.

Contamination often begins on the farm. Irrigation water tainted by runoff from nearby livestock operations can carry dangerous pathogens, especially if fields are located near cattle farms, as is common in California and Arizona, two major lettuce-producing states—E. E. coli from manure can easily contaminate crops. Adding the use of untreated surface water from rivers or canals increases the risk even more.

Things don’t get better at the processing plant. Greens from multiple farms are mixed, washed in giant vats, and packaged together. One infected leaf can contaminate thousands of bags, and once bacteria attach to the leaves, they’re not easily rinsed away—even if you rewash them at home. Refrigeration slows bacteria growth, but it doesn’t kill it.

Worse, greens are usually eaten raw, which eliminates the chance to kill bacteria through cooking. And outbreaks continue, despite federal safety plans. A 2024 study estimated that leafy greens are responsible for over 2.3 million foodborne illnesses annually in the U.S.

So what can you do?

  • Buy whole heads of lettuce or spinach instead of pre-cut bags. They have less surface exposure and lower risk. Wash under cold running water.
  • Grow your own. Whether it’s in a backyard bed or a small indoor hydroponic setup, growing your greens is one of the safest (and most rewarding) ways to enjoy fresh salads. You control the water, the soil, and the handling, removing the mystery from your meals.

Bagged greens may be quick, but when it comes to your health, slowing down and choosing safer options could save you a lot more in the long run.

Listeria Alert: Over 1,500 Celery Packs Sold at Walmart May Be Contaminated

A nationwide health warning has been issued after over 1,500 cases of Marketside Celery Sticks—sold at Walmart—were flagged for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The pre-packaged veggie sticks, distributed by Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc., were sold in 29 states and Washington, D.C., and may pose a serious health risk.

The FDA confirmed that a routine test revealed Listeria in one four-pack of celery sticks purchased in Georgia. In response, the company has voluntarily issued an advisory, urging consumers to check their fridges and freezers. While the affected celery packs are no longer available on store shelves and are past their “best by” date of March 23, 2025, there’s concern that some may still be stored for future use.

The impacted product is the Marketside 4-in/1.6 oz Celery Sticks, UPC code 6 81131 16151 0, Lot Code P047650.

Listeria is not to be taken lightly. The bacteria can cause life-threatening infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Even healthy individuals may experience severe flu-like symptoms. Pregnant women face even greater risk, as listeria can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

No illnesses have been reported as of now—but don’t take chances. If you have this celery in your home, do not eat it. Toss it immediately.

Only this specific lot is affected. No other Duda or Marketside products are included in the warning.Stay alert, check your produce, and spread the word. Listeria is a silent threat—but vigilance can stop it in its tracks.

Packaged Fruit Recall Has Walmart and Other Retailers Scrambling

The pre-cut fruit slices sold at Walmart and other grocers are handy – they are washed and cut, ready to eat. This must mean that they are safe right? Wrong. Like any other “fresh” produce found in the grocery store, they are susceptible to contamination by dangerous organisms like Listeria monocytogenes. 

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