Several varieties of pre-cut Japanese pickles have been recalled over fears they could be contaminated with a paralysis-causing bacteria.
Customers are being warned not to eat the veg made by California-based company Choshiya Honten Ltd due to the potential risk of Clostridium botulinum.
Clostridium botulinum is a rod-shaped bacteria that produces lethal toxins under low-oxygen conditions that can cause botulism, leading to difficulty breathing, respiratory and muscle paralysis and in certain cases, death.
The products that have been recalled are Shiba Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Aokappa Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Fukushin Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Soft Tsubozuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Rakkyo Zuke Prepared Vegetables and Choshiya’s Abura-Itame Zhasai Prepared Sichuan Vegetable.
All of the six of the products were distributed in Tokyo Central / Marukai stores located in San Diego, Torrance, Gardena, Los Angeles, Costa Mesa and West Covina in California.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the products do not have the necessary ‘Keep Refrigerated’ message printed which could lead to hazardous bacterial growth if stored at room temperature.
Clostridium botulinum thrives in low sugar, salt and acid environment with temperatures between 95F and 113F and is found on the surfaces of fruits as well as vegetables.
Several varieties of pre-cut Japanese pickles have been recalled over fears of being contaminated with a paralysis-causing bacteria called Clostridium botulinum
The federal agency warns that those who have purchased the affected products should discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The FDA noted that it only takes a few micrograms of the toxin to cause illness in a healthy adult.
Symptoms of botulism include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing.
People with botulism poisoning may not show all of these symptoms at once.
The agency warns that anyone experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
In its recall notice, AKT Trading Inc assured buyers: ‘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 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this matter.’
Last month, a massive recall of canned tuna at Trader Joe’s, Costco, Walmart and other big-name stores around the US was issued over a potentially fatal food poisoning risk.
The products that have been recalled are Shiba Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Aokappa Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Fukushin Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Soft Tsubozuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Rakkyo Zuke Prepared Vegetables and Choshiya’s Abura-Itame Zhasai Prepared Sichuan Vegetable
The federal agency warns that those who have purchased the affected products should discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund
The voluntary recall includes H-E-B and Trader Joe’s label canned tuna, as well as Genova and Van Camp’s brand canned tuna.
Tri-Union Seafoods announced the recall on February 7 after its supplier informed the company that the cans’ ‘easy open’ pull tab lids have a manufacturing defect.
The defect could cause the cans to leak or be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, which could cause botulism, a form of food poisoning that could be fatal.
The issue affected five varieties of Genova canned tuna, five varieties of Trader Joe’s, two of Van Camp’s, and one H-E-B product.
The products were distributed to stores in 25 states.
Other chains that had the recalled products include Publix, Kroger, Safeway and Harris Teeter.
Tri-Union Seafoods advised all shoppers who purchased the items to return them for a full refund, throw them away, or contact the company for a retrieval kit and product coupon.
