Fresh mushrooms recalled because of possible contamination
Associated PressFriday, September 8, 2006 5:13 AMBALTIMORE -- A mushroom grower is recalling about 10,000 cases of fresh sliced white and baby portobello mushrooms because they may be contaminated with an organism that can cause fatal infections in some people, the company announced yesterday.Monterey Mushrooms of Watsonville, Calif. said the mushrooms were distributed from its plant in Temple, Pa., to Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The product was sold in 4 ounce, 6 ounce, 8 ounce, and 16 ounce foam containers and 10 ounce plastic bags with code dates 237 through 247.Monterey was notified of a positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes on its 6 ounce sliced Baby Bella product during a random product sampling by the Ohio State Department of Agriculture.Listeria can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Healthy people may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.No illnesses have been reported, Monterey said.Consumers who purchased the mushrooms are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
