Huntington Beach, CA, July 15th, 2021
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted information about a California company’s recall of mushrooms imported from China. The recall was initiated when the potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the California Health Department revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a package of the mushrooms. The mushrooms had been distributed from California through produce distributors and wholesalers to retail stores nationwide.
Fortunately, at the time of the recall notice, no illnesses had been reported. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that several hundred people die each year in the U.S. alone from listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. This type of infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
“Listeria is the third leading cause of death from food poisoning according to the CDC,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “Even without people becoming sick, the cost to food manufacturers and importers that have to conduct a recall, including the damaging public relations, can be significant.”
LA Testing’s food scientists offer testing services to identify a wide range of microbial pathogens and chemical contaminants. These services are instrumental for testing imported foods, raw ingredients, and finished products. Testing can also be essential for evaluating production surfaces and confirming the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection procedures at food processing facilities.
To learn more about food and beverage testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794.
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash, and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.