This evening, I read a status from my landlord who mentioned that Indonesian food administration is pulling out Enoki mushroom from the market. Strangely, this is recent despite United States had done investigation on this imported enoki mushroom from South Korea on March. While indonesia is catching up, I do wonder how many people are already infected with the contaminated bacteria in the mushroom. According to FDA investigation a certain imported enoki mushroom from Sun Hong Foods, Inc., Guan’s Mushroom Co., and H&C Food, Inc. are contaminated and should be handled with care. Meanwhile in Indonesia, the news just surfaced in less than 24 hours.
Illustration provided by FDA
Enoki mushroom was quite popular then since its rarity in Indonesia. Many vendors start selling the mushroom and I even tried it.I always think that mushroom is no kidding around. There are some species that may cause health complication and even bring bacteria, like this one.
In a blog called Better homes and garden, there's a way to handle the mushroom with care. One of the recommendation includes, Store mushrooms (except morels) unwashed in the refrigerator for up to two days in a paper bag or in the original packaging. Because they need to breathe, mushrooms shouldn't be stored in a plastic bag.. So this should be a knowledge for those who regularly eat mushroom.
This Enoki carries a bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes which is dangerous especially for pregnant women, elders and people with weak immune system. This disease may cause severe illness to death. Hence why, it may be best to avoid this imported mushroom.
Should you avoid it completely?
According to research conducted by Bao et al, Enoki mushroom contains antioxidatives properties.There are similar researches mentioning about its benefit while also research trying to find its toxicity level. So that's why it is best to always know the mushroom you are consuming
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