If you have any vegetable products in your kitchen, you’ll want to be aware of the latest recall posted on the website of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall involves numerous vegetable products and fears that they could be a breeding ground for Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which can produce the deadly botulinum toxin. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s happened?
On March 3, the FDA posted the notice of a voluntary recall from AKT Trading Inc. of Torrance, California. The recall was initiated after the company discovered that some of the prepared vegetable products manufactured by Choshiya Honten Co., Ltd had the potential to harbor the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. That bacterium can produce a toxin called botulinum, which can lead to a botulism infection in a person who consumes it.
The reason the recalled products have the potential to harbor the potentially deadly bacterium is because the required “Keep Refrigerated” statement was left off the packaging. If the vegetables are not refrigerated, it could enable the bacterium to grow.
Which products are affected?
According to the FDA notice, the following products with the brand name “Japanese Pickles,” packaged in 1 lb plastic bags, are included in the recall:
- SHIBA ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES, JAN CODE (UPC): 4582207535128, Expiration date: 8/27/2025
- AOKAPPA ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES, JAN CODE (UPC): 4582207535135, Expiration Date: 5/14/2025
- FUKUSHIN ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES, JAN CODE (UPC): 4582207535142, Expiration date: 7/9/2025, 5/31/2025
- SOFT TSUBOZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES, JAN CODE (UPC): 4582207535159, Expiration Date: 7/29/2025
- RAKKYO ZUKE PREPARED VEGETABLES, JAN CODE (UPC): 4983673526021, Expiration Date: 8/1/2025, 7/1/2025
Additionally, the following product is also included in the recall:
- Brand name: CHOSHIYA
- Product name: ABURA-ITAME ZHASAI PREPARED SICHUAN VEGETABLE
- Container: 8.8oz. plastic bag
- JAN CODE (UPC): 4983673527325
- Expiration date: 4/3/2025, 2/25/2025
The products were distributed at Tokyo Central / Marukai stores in California. The full details of the recalled products can be found here.
This recall follows an earlier recall of prepared bamboo shoots. The details of that earlier recall can be found here.
What is botulism?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), botulism is a rare but serious disease. The condition is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum and other related bacteria.
There are five types of botulism, including foodborne botulism, and all are medical emergencies. Botulism occurs when the toxin attacks the body’s nerves. This can lead to a number of issues, including muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing. It can even cause death.
The CDC says that any form of botulism is a medical emergency that necessitates an immediate visit to your doctor or emergency room.
What are the symptoms of botulism?
Symptoms can vary depending on what type of botulism a person has. The CDC says symptoms related to all forms of botulism may include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Double vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty moving the eyes
Foodborne botulism symptoms may also include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
And symptoms of botulism in an infant may also include:
- Constipation
- Poor feeding
- Drooping eyelids
- Pupils that are slow to react to light
- Face showing less expression than usual
- Weak cry that sounds different than usual
What do I do if I have the recalled products?
Do not consume them. Instead, the recalled products should be discarded or returned to their place of purchase for a refund.
Full details of the recall can be found here. Consumers who have more questions can contact AKT Trading Inc. at 310-715-2174 or email the company at [email protected].
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