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The Czech Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) warns consumers about two batches of non-compliant food products – fresh enoki mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes):

• “Enoki Mushroom”, brand Green Box Limited, 100 g package, batch G22029
• “Cendawan Enoki / Enoki Mushroom”, brand Green Box Limited, 100 g package, batch G22030

Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in these batches at levels significantly exceeding food safety limits.

CAFIA was informed of the case through the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).

The products were produced in China, packaged in Malaysia, and imported into the European Union via the Netherlands by Asia Express Food B.V.

These products were also distributed to the Czech Republic through several importers and retailers, mainly specialty Asian food stores.

The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a disease that may have a severe course, especially in pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Although thorough heat treatment usually destroys the bacteria, the product packaging lacks instructions for safe preparation. Given the common method of preparing these mushrooms in Asian cuisine—typically cooking them for only 1–2 minutes—insufficient heat treatment before consumption cannot be ruled out.

The products also fail to meet labelling requirements – mandatory information is not provided in the Czech language, and instructions for safe use are missing. Based on these facts, the products have been classified by supervisory authorities as unsafe food within the meaning of Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.

CAFIA has carried out inspections at Czech recipients and ordered a ban on placing these products on the market. However, in some cases, the products have already been sold to final consumers.

If consumers have these products at home, CAFIA recommends not consuming them and returning them to the place of purchase.

Article by: Pavel Kopřiva, CAFIA spokesperson