Canadian company recalls mushrooms in U.S. because of Listeria contamination

Wiet Peeters Farm Products Limited of Charing Cross Ontario, Canada, is recalling its Aunt Mid’s Fresh Sliced mushrooms, Peeters Mushroom Farm Cremini Sliced mushrooms and Peeters Mushroom Farm Thick Slice mushrooms because testing has shown contamination with Listeria.

The recalled mushrooms were distributed in Michigan and Ohio.

Consumers can identify the recalled mushrooms by looking for the following label information:

• Aunt Mid’s Fresh Sliced Mushrooms in  227-gram flat blue plastic packages marked with UPC 0 33383 676005 on the top and with and best before date of BEST BEFORE 25JL04 stamped on the side.
• Peeters Mushroom Farm Cremini Sliced in 227-gram flat black plastic packages marked with UPC 0 68414 96960 3 on the top and with and best before date of BEST BEFORE 25JL04 stamped on the side.
• Peeters Mushroom Farm Thick Slice Mushroom 10l-pound packaged in cardboard and labeled with Peeters Mushroom Farm on the cardboard box.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The contamination was found when testing by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 227-gram packages of fresh sliced mushrooms. The other products affected in this recall were manufactured on the same line as the 227-gram fresh sliced mushrooms.

Consumers who have purchased are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Wiet Peeters Farm Products Limited at 519-351-1945 or toll free at 800-364-1305.

About Listeria infections

Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalledof the recalled mushroomsand developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop. 

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. 

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, other complications and death. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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