Date of effect: 03/03/2023
Attention
Importers of enoki mushrooms and brokers acting on their behalf.
Purpose
The purpose of this notice is to raise industry awareness of the risk of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) contamination in enoki (enokitake) mushrooms being imported into Australia.
Notifications of Listeria monocytogenes in enoki mushrooms
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of overseas food incident alerts and notifications concerning enoki mushrooms contaminated with L. monocytogenes. The consumption of contaminated enoki mushrooms has been associated with illness and deaths. The increase in notifications has raised concerns in relation to the cultivation and processing of enoki mushrooms.
Importer’s responsibility
It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure they import food that is safe and suitable for human consumption.
If you import enoki mushrooms, we recommend you ask your supplier to provide you with evidence that the mushrooms have been produced under a food safety management system that effectively identifies and controls foodborne hazards of concern, including L. monocytogenes. You must also ensure the product is labelled in accordance with Australia’s food standards and that temperature control has been applied during transport and storage for the safety of the food.
Enoki mushrooms are not ready-to-eat and should be fully cooked before being eaten. Instructions for cooking must be included on the label as per clause 2 of Standard 1.2.6 – Information requirements – directions for use and storage of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
When enoki mushrooms are eaten raw or undercooked consumers, in particular those at-risk, may expose themselves to becoming sick.
Next steps
The department has asked Food Standards Australia New Zealand for advice on the risks associated with enoki mushrooms for human consumption. Depending on the outcome of that advice, the department will consider if additional risk management measures need to be applied at the border.
We will communicate any further changes to the import requirements for enoki mushrooms as they occur.
Background
Listeriosis is an illness usually caused by eating food contaminated by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The bacteria are widely distributed in the environment and can grow in food at refrigeration temperatures. Most people who are exposed to Listeria will only develop mild symptoms, though illness can be severe in those most at-risk. Those at increased risk of illness include pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborn babies, the elderly and people of all ages with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Listeriosis can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness.
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