Hofood99 Recalls Mushrooms Over Listeria Contamination Risk

Date Issued: June 11, 2025
Announced by: FDA on June 11, 2025
Company: Hofood99 Inc.
Product: Enoki Mushrooms (No Brand)
Reason: Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes
Details: 200g green plastic packages, UPC: 6 976532 310051
Action: Destroy or return the product for a full refund
Psst: Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading!

What Happened?

Another day, another fungus fiasco. This time, it’s Hofood99 Inc. out of Brooklyn, NY, hitting the recall radar with its 200g Enoki Mushrooms. The FDA officially posted the alert on June 11, 2025, after a sample collected in Michigan flunked the microbial test. The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) found Listeria monocytogenes lurking where it definitely shouldn’t be—inside a package of mushrooms meant to sauté, not sicken.

These enoki mushrooms were distributed nationwide to retail stores. While the mushrooms might look innocent in their green plastic suit, their inside story isn’t as savory.

Product Details

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
No Brand	Enoki Mushrooms	200g	6 976532 310051	Not Specified	Listeria monocytogenes contamination

What Caused the Issue?

The recall was triggered after a routine product sample collected in Michigan underwent lab testing and revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes—a bacteria you definitely don’t want as a side dish.

How Listeria Got In

Listeria contamination can occur at multiple points in the supply chain:

Contaminated growing environments (like soil or water)
Improper handling or sanitization during packaging
Cross-contamination in transport or storage facilities

Enoki mushrooms are especially vulnerable due to their high moisture content and delicate structure, making them a cozy home for bacteria if not handled with care.

Health Risks: Who’s Most at Risk?

While healthy adults may suffer only mild symptoms (like nausea and diarrhea), some groups face serious health threats:

Pregnant women: Risk of miscarriage or stillbirth
Newborns & elderly
Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., cancer patients, transplant recipients)

Common Symptoms of Listeria Infection (Listeriosis):

High fever
Muscle aches
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Confusion or balance issues (in severe cases)

10 Common Questions You Might Have

1. Can I cook the mushrooms and kill the bacteria?
Cooking may reduce bacteria, but with Listeria, it’s not worth the risk. Toss them or return them.

2. How do I know if I have the recalled mushrooms?
Check for the green plastic packaging and UPC: 6 976532 310051.

3. Are all enoki mushrooms unsafe?
Not all—just the specific batch from Hofood99 Inc.. Always check for active recalls.

4. What if I already ate them?
Monitor for symptoms for up to 70 days (yes, Listeria has a long incubation period). Contact your doctor if you feel unwell.

5. I’m pregnant. Should I be worried?
Yes, Listeria can cause complications. Even without symptoms, call your healthcare provider if you consumed the product.

6. Where were these mushrooms sold?
Nationwide, through various retail outlets. No specific stores listed in the recall.

7. Are there similar recalls recently?
Yes! Enoki mushrooms are frequent offenders. Check this FDA list for recent recalls.

8. Will I get a refund?
Yes. Return the mushrooms to the store you bought them from, or dispose of them safely.

9. How do I dispose of them safely?
Seal the package in a plastic bag and discard it in a covered trash bin. Wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly.

10. Who can I call with questions?
Hofood99 Inc. at (917) 756-9833, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM.

Here’s What You Should Do

Time to play mushroom detective! Here’s your quick guide:

Check the label: Look for a 200g green plastic package.
UPC to match: 6 976532 310051.
If it’s a match: Don’t eat it! Destroy it or take it back to the store.
Refund time: Yes, you’ll get your money back.
Questions? Hofood99 Inc. has your back at (917) 756-9833, M–F, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Behind the Brand

Hofood99 Inc. may not be a household name, but they’ve now landed on the food safety radar. Unfortunately, this is not the first food recall of the brand. On April 16, 2025, Harvest NYC Inc. issued a recall for its 200g packages of Enoki Mushrooms under the Hofood99 Inc. label. The recall was prompted by the detection of Listeria monocytogenes during routine sampling. This is one of many enoki mushroom-related recalls in recent years. In fact, Listeria and enoki mushrooms have been a not-so-fun recurring duo.

Check out similar recalls:

On June 10, 2025, Bornstein Seafoods Inc. voluntarily recalled 44,550 pounds of its Ready-to-Eat Coldwater Shrimp Meat after a routine in-process test detected Listeria monocytogenes in the production environment.
On May 17, 2025, Bourgeois Smokehouse voluntarily recalled approximately 100 pounds of its ready-to-eat smoked andouille sausage after routine FSIS testing revealed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
On May 10, 2025, FSIS issued a public health alert (not a recall, technically) for ready-to-eat Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps produced by Rachael’s Food Corporation. The issue? Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne bacteria that definitely doesn’t belong in your lunch.
On May 10, 2025, Fresh & Ready Foods LLC voluntarily recalled dozens of ready-to-eat sandwiches and snack items due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

“With ready-to-eat items like enoki mushrooms, there’s zero tolerance for contamination—Listeria is a major food safety threat. In today’s fast-moving supply chain, strict safety protocols and rapid response aren’t optional—they’re essential to earning and keeping consumer trust.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

We’re not pointing fingers—fungi are tricky—but this repeat offender status raises the stakes on traceability and supplier hygiene practices.

Ensuring Safe Eats

This recall is a reminder that in the wild world of wholesale, bulk, and private label foods, safety protocols and transparent sourcing are more critical than ever. Whether you’re a food manufacturer, importer, or co-packer, Listeria should never be on your guest list.

Just remember: