Bay Area Food Importer Recalls Shiitake Mushrooms

BRISBANE (CBS SF) -- The California Department of Public Health is warning the public to steer clear of one company's imported mushrooms, which may contain high sulfite levels not included on the product label.

The department's director, Ron Chapman, is advising consumers not to eat Shirakiku brand dried shiitake whole mushrooms and Shirakiku dried shiitake sliced mushrooms, both Chinese imports, according to a statement.

Brisbane-based Nishimoto Trading Company voluntarily recalled the mushrooms after learning of the products' high sulfite level and the lack of a label informing consumers of the presence of sulfites.

Those who are highly sensitive to sulfites and some people with asthma could run the risk of serious, life-threatening reactions if they consume the recalled mushrooms, according to the public health department's statement.

Anyone who has already bought the recalled Shirakiku mushroom products is urged to toss them out or return them for a refund.

Consumers who see these items for sale are urged to call public health department's complaint hotline at 1-800-495-3232.

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