Table of contents:
- Indonesia eliminates enoki mushrooms that are contaminated with harmful bacteria
- Bacterial hazard Listeria monocytogenes
The Indonesian government gave instructions to eradicate enoki mushrooms because they contain bacteria that are harmful to the human body. Enoki mushrooms imported from South Korea were proven contaminated Listeria monocytogenes which causes Listeriosis.
However, this does not mean that all enoki mushrooms are dangerous to eat. For more information, see the following reviews.
Indonesia eliminates enoki mushrooms that are contaminated with harmful bacteria
The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) received a warning from the world food safety authorities (International food safety Authority Network / INFOSAN) on April 15, 2020.
INFOSAN reported an extraordinary event (KLB) in America, Canada and Australia due to the consumption of enoki mushrooms contaminated with bacteria. They warned Indonesia to check enoki mushrooms imported from South Korea.
The results of the Ministry of Agriculture's investigation showed enoki mushrooms from producers Green Co. Ltd imported from South Korea contains harmful bacteria, namely bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
At that time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had announced the enoki mushroom from Green Co. Ltd distributed by three companies namely Sun Hong Foods, Inc., Guan's Mushroom Co., and H&C Food, Inc.
The FDA page also reminds the public not to consume the company's enoki mushrooms even though they look fresh and are not rotten.
On Thursday (2/7), the Head of the Food Security Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agung Hendriadi, confirmed that all the enoki mushrooms from the South Korean producer had been destroyed from the market in Indonesia. As for the enoki mushrooms from countries other than South Korea, it is not mentioned that they contain these harmful bacteria.
"From other countries it is still safe, but we urge you not to consume it raw," said Agung.
Bacterial hazard Listeria monocytogenes
The enoki mushroom from South Korea was destroyed because it contained bacteria Listeria monocytogenes that exceeds the threshold.
Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes live in and contaminate undercooked meat and dairy products. Several outbreaks due to this bacteria have occurred in celery, bean sprouts / sprouts, cantaloupe, cheese, and ice cream.
"Listeria is contamination caused by carrier media, soil, or land, so it is very specific from which location," explained Agung.
Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes it is known to live in low temperatures including refrigerator temperatures. Therefore, these bacteria can contaminate the Enoki fungus which grows at low temperatures and is almost always stored in the refrigerator. These bacteria can also spread to surfaces and to other nearby food after cooking.
This bacterial disease is called a Listeriosis infection. Although it is one of the rare diseases, this infection is dangerous. Symptoms are almost like flu, namely fever, diarrhea, chills, nausea, and muscle aches. This disease can heal itself in healthy people who have strong immune system.
For those who have a low immune system such as the elderly and people with comorbidities, this disease can cause meningitis or inflammation of the lining of the brain.
Meanwhile, listeriosis experienced by pregnant women can cause premature birth, miscarriage, and even death of the fetus shortly after birth. Babies can become very sick if they are infected before birth.
In the United States, this bacteria-tainted enoki fungus has sickened at least 30 people. Four of them died.
Note that not all enoki mushrooms are harmful. However, prevention must still be done. Before eating, make sure you wash the mushrooms and then cook them on high until done.
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