LLK Trading Recalls Needle Mushrooms Over Listeria Contamination Risk

LLK Trading’s first public recall: Quick summary

• LLK Trading’s 200g Needle Mushrooms recalled over Listeria risk. Routine FDA testing flagged contamination, prompting a voluntary recall with no reported illnesses so far.
• Products sold at Datang Supermarket via Bally Produce Corp. Shoppers should check for clear plastic top and blue bottom packaging and return them immediately.
• Listeria poses serious health risks, especially to pregnant women and seniors.
• The bacteria can survive in cold temps and cause severe illness in vulnerable groups.
• LLK Trading has halted distribution and is investigating how contamination occurred.
• Listeria recalls are on the rise across categories, with recent alerts in meat, cheese, and mushrooms, traceability and food safety systems are under the spotlight.

Wanna know more about what happened? Stick around, we’re just getting to the main details.

What Happened?

LLK Trading Inc. issued a voluntary recall on July 11, 2025, for its 200g packages of “Needle Mushrooms” after FDA routine testing identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in one of the samples.

The product was distributed to Bally Produce Corp. in Maspeth, NY, and sold at Datang Supermarket Inc. As of the FDA’s announcement on July 13, 2025, there have been no reported illnesses connected to this recall.

Here are the key product details:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
LLK Trading Inc.	Needle Mushrooms	200g	N/A	Not listed	Listeria monocytogenes

The potential contamination was discovered through routine FDA product testing. In response, LLK Trading has suspended distribution while investigating the root cause.

What Caused the Issue?

The root cause of this recall is potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium commonly found in soil, water, and certain raw foods. It can persist in cold environments, such as refrigerators, making it particularly dangerous in ready-to-eat and fresh produce products like mushrooms.

Listeria monocytogenes is considered one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens due to its severe health effects, especially in vulnerable populations. Contamination may occur during harvesting, packaging, or transportation.

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Pregnant women
• Newborns
• Older adults (65+)
• Immunocompromised individuals
• People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease

Symptoms of Listeriosis:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or loss of balance
• Miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women

No confirmed cases of illness have been linked to this specific recall, but individuals who consumed the product and exhibit symptoms are urged to seek medical attention immediately.

10 Common Questions You May Have

1. What is Listeria monocytogenes?
A harmful bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that affects the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

2. Can I get sick just from touching the mushrooms?
Infection typically occurs through ingestion, but proper handwashing is advised if you’ve handled the product.

3. How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms may appear a few days to 30 days after consumption, depending on the person.

4. Is cooking the mushrooms enough to kill the bacteria?
Cooking may reduce the risk, but contaminated items should still not be consumed.

5. What does the packaging look like?
The recalled mushrooms come in a 200g package with a clear plastic top and a blue non-transparent bottom.

6. I already ate them and feel fine. Should I worry?
If you’re not in a high-risk group and show no symptoms, the risk is lower, but consult a healthcare provider if concerned.

7. Where can I return the product?
Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

8. Has LLK Trading had recalls like this before?
No previous recalls have been publicly documented for LLK Trading prior to this one.

9. Are other products affected?
This recall only involves the 200g Needle Mushrooms package.

10. How do I contact the company?
Consumers can call LLK Trading Inc. at (908)-290-3061, Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST.

Here’s What You Should Do

Here’s your recall checklist:

• Check your fridge – Look for 200g LLK Trading Needle Mushrooms in clear/blue packaging
• Do not consume – Listeria poses serious health risks
• Return the product – Bring it back to the place of purchase for a full refund
• Contact the company – Call (908)-290-3061 with questions

Behind the Brand

LLK Trading Inc. is a New Jersey-based importer and distributor of Asian produce. This is the company’s first high-profile recall in recent memory.

Listeria has been a recurring concern in the mushroom category in recent weeks. 

• On July 10, 2025, Wiet Peeters Farm Products Limited issued a voluntary recall of several mushroom products after routine testing by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency detected Listeria monocytogenes in one batch.
• On July 7, 2025, the FDA issued a food safety alert after Ruck’s Meat Processing voluntarily recalled several ready-to-eat sausage products that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
• On July 2, 2025, Kraft Heinz Foods Company recalled a staggering 367,812 pounds of its Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon after internal testing flagged the possibility of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
• On June 20, 2025, Oregon-based Face Rock Creamery voluntarily recalled its Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar Curds after internal routine testing flagged the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
• On June 17, 2025, FreshRealm recalled its Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo products after FSIS linked them to a multi-state Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. 

“It only takes a single contaminated batch to set off a recall like this one. This incident underscores how vital it is to have strong traceability systems, strict safety protocols, and clear communication across the supply chain to minimize food safety risks.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

For more details on current FDA-regulated recalls, visit the FDA’s official recall database.

Ensuring Safe Eats

This incident with LLK Trading serves as another important reminder of the food industry’s responsibility to ensure product safety at every stage of the supply chain. From co-manufacturers to private label brands, lapses in hygiene and oversight can result in public health risks and serious reputational damage.

Key takeaways for businesses include:

• Implementing rigorous sanitation protocols
• Strengthening traceability systems across sourcing and distribution
• Enhancing routine testing and product monitoring
• Prioritizing recall readiness and transparent communication

Consumers should always stay informed, check product labels regularly, and take action quickly.

Looking for trusted partners who prioritize food safety? Contact Source86 to explore our catalog of high-quality, recall-resistant ingredients tailored for co-manufacturers, wholesalers, and private label brands.