On August 22, 2024, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a notice imposing safety controls on fresh flammulina velutipes from South Korea and China.

Fresh flammulina velutipes imported from South Korea and China have been recalled in Canada due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The CFIA issued a series of notices to the industry on this issue and reminded importers and domestic producers of some key food safety requirements that apply to businesses.

Preventive control plan

Businesses need to maintain preventive control programs by regularly reevaluating, revising, and validating that control measures used to manage listeria monocytogenes risk are effective against the flammulina velutipes. During the review, the following guidance should be considered and the controls being applied should be strengthened.

Provide the customer with information on the correct handling and storage conditions required to maintain the safety of this product. Customers may include retailers, hotels, restaurants and public food service establishments. The growth of Listeria monocytogenes can be supported by fresh flammulina velutipes during distribution and storage. Even if product testing reveals undetectable levels of Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria may still be present at low levels and grow during distribution and storage.

Consider adding cooking instructions or warning statements, such as "to be cooked," to packaged products. If people eat raw or undercooked flammulina velutipes, their risk of illness increases. When this information appears on the packaging, consumers can make more informed choices. Cooking flammulina velutipes thoroughly at 70 degrees Celsius for at least 2 minutes can reduce food safety risks.

Confirm the harvest date and recommended shelf life of the products received through the supplier. Also, consider putting a date on the label, such as the harvest date or packaging date. This will help businesses and customers make informed decisions about managing inventory. This information also helps consumers. Products that have been in the supply chain longer may contain higher levels of Listeria monocytogenes, and shelf life studies are the most effective way to determine the durability of pre-packaged foods.

Verify that suppliers and distributors have proper temperature control during transportation and storage, which is essential to limit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. After packaging, the flammulina velutipes should be refrigerated at 4°C or below.

Canada Safe Food Licence holders must comply with all conditions of Canada's Food Safety regulations. The CFIA continues to conduct inspection activities to verify that preventive controls are effective and up to date and are being enforced. If the CFIA finds non-compliance, it may take regulatory response action. Such actions may include product seizure and detention, license revocation, administrative fines or prosecution.