A number of prepared vegetable products have been recalled due to the risk of bacterial contamination, which could lead to life-threatening illness.
AKT Trading Inc., a California-based company, issued a voluntary recall on Monday for Choshiya Honten Co. Ltd. products due to the risk of Clostridium botulinum.
Why It Matters
Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning caused by Clostridium botulinum, can produce a variety of symptoms such as general weakness, dizziness, double vision, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.
It can also cause breathing problems, weakness in other muscles, abdominal distension, and constipation.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised customers who experience any of these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
What To Know
The products affected by the recall include:
- Shiba Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, code number 4582207535128, expiry date 8/27/2025
- Aokappa Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, code number 4582207535135, expiry date 5/14/2025
- Fukushin Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, code number 4582207535142, expiry dates 7/9/2025 and 5/31/2025
- Soft Tsubozuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, code number 4582207535159, expiry date 7/29/2025
- Rakkyo Zuke Prepared Vegetables, code number 4983673526021, expiry dates 8/1/2025 and 7/1/2025
- Choshiya’s Abura-Itame Zhasai Prepared Sichuan Vegetable, code number 4983673527325, expiry dates 4/3/2025 and 2/25/2025
The products were distributed to Tokyo Central and Marukai stores in California. The FDA recall notice includes a full list of stores.
The FDA stated that the products lacked the required “keep refrigerated” labels, which could have resulted in hazardous bacterial growth if stored at room temperature.
The agency advised customers not to consume the products, even if they did not appear or smell spoiled. There had been no illnesses reported as of Monday.
The FDA stated that it only takes a few micrograms of the toxin to cause illness in a healthy adult.
What People Are Saying
AKT Trading Inc. said in the recall notice published by the FDA: “AKT Trading Inc. is committed to the safety and quality of its products and is taking this action out of an abundance of caution. We are cooperating fully with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this matter.”
What’s Next
Consumers have been told by the FDA to discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact AKT Trading Inc. at 310-715-2174.
