Your dinner could be dangerous! New recall earns top severity warning from FDA
- Replies 0
In the bustling aisles of your local grocery store, amidst the vibrant colors of fresh produce, there lurks a silent threat that could turn a healthy meal into a health crisis.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sounded the alarm with its highest-risk warning for a certain set of products, prompting a recall that has consumers across the nation on high alert.
The GrayVine is here to unpack the details of this critical update and guide you through the steps to ensure your safety and well-being.
The recall, which initially surfaced earlier this month, has escalated as the FDA has classified it as a Class I recall—the most serious category.
This designation is reserved for situations where there is a significant risk that consuming or being exposed to the product will result in serious health consequences or even death.
The food items at the center of this recall are a number of vegetable products from the manufacturer AKT Trading.
At the heart of the issue is a labeling oversight: the absence of the crucial 'Keep Refrigerated' instruction.
This seemingly small detail can have grave implications, as it increases the risk of harmful bacterial growth, including the notorious Clostridium botulinum, if the vegetables are stored at room temperature.
Clostridium botulinum is no ordinary bacteria—it's the culprit behind botulism, a potentially lethal form of food poisoning.
The symptoms are as severe as they are varied, ranging from general weakness, dizziness, and double-vision to more alarming signs like difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distention, and constipation.
The FDA's advice is unequivocal: if you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
The recall encompasses a selection of vegetable products distributed to Tokyo Central and Marukai stores in California.
The FDA's announcement on March 28th confirmed the ongoing nature of the recall, which was first identified on February 18th.
Consumers are urged not to consume the products, even if they appear normal in look and smell.
The deceptive nature of Clostridium botulinum means that the bacteria can thrive undetected in food.
The fear of food recalls is not an isolated sentiment. A Civic Science report from December revealed that more than 80 percent of Americans are worried about such incidents.
With 81 percent of over 2,000 US adults surveyed expressing concern, and nearly a third being very concerned, it's clear that food safety is a national priority.
AKT Trading Inc.'s Response
In a statement published by the FDA, AKT Trading Inc. has expressed its commitment to product safety and quality, assuring the public that this recall is a precautionary measure.
The company is working closely with the FDA to address the situation.
The FDA's guidance for those in possession of the recalled products is straightforward: dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
AKT Trading Inc. is available to answer questions at 310-715-2174.
Also read: URGENT: FDA upgrades recall of canned tuna – now poses severe botulism risk
Have you been affected by this recall? Do you have tips for keeping track of food safety alerts? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sounded the alarm with its highest-risk warning for a certain set of products, prompting a recall that has consumers across the nation on high alert.
The GrayVine is here to unpack the details of this critical update and guide you through the steps to ensure your safety and well-being.
The recall, which initially surfaced earlier this month, has escalated as the FDA has classified it as a Class I recall—the most serious category.
This designation is reserved for situations where there is a significant risk that consuming or being exposed to the product will result in serious health consequences or even death.
The food items at the center of this recall are a number of vegetable products from the manufacturer AKT Trading.
At the heart of the issue is a labeling oversight: the absence of the crucial 'Keep Refrigerated' instruction.
The FDA has issued a Class I recall on vegetable products distributed by AKT Trading due to missing “Keep Refrigerated” labels, posing a risk of Clostridium botulinum growth. Image source: FDA.
This seemingly small detail can have grave implications, as it increases the risk of harmful bacterial growth, including the notorious Clostridium botulinum, if the vegetables are stored at room temperature.
Clostridium botulinum is no ordinary bacteria—it's the culprit behind botulism, a potentially lethal form of food poisoning.
| Brand Name | Product Name | Container | JAN CODE (UPC) | Expiration Date |
| Japanese Pickles | SHIBA ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES | 1lb plastic bag | 4,582,210,000,000 | 8/27/2025 (Printed on the back of the product) |
| Japanese Pickles | AOKAPPA ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES | 1lb plastic bag | 4,582,210,000,000 | 5/14/2025 (Printed on the back of the product) |
| Japanese Pickles | FUKUSHIN ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES | 1lb plastic bag | 4,582,210,000,000 | 7/9/2025, 5/31/2025 (Printed on the back of the product) |
| Japanese Pickles | SOFT TSUBOZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES | 1lb plastic bag | 4,582,210,000,000 | 7/29/2025 (Printed on the back of the product) |
| Japanese Pickles | RAKKYO ZUKE PREPARED VEGETABLES | 1lb plastic bag | 4,983,670,000,000 | 8/1/2025, 7/1/2025 (Printed on the back of the product) |
| CHOSHIYA | ABURA-ITAME ZHASAI PREPARED SICHUAN VEGETABLE | 8.8oz. plastic bag | 4,983,670,000,000 | 4/3/2025, 2/25/2025 (Printed on the edge of the surface) |
The symptoms are as severe as they are varied, ranging from general weakness, dizziness, and double-vision to more alarming signs like difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distention, and constipation.
The FDA's advice is unequivocal: if you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
The recall encompasses a selection of vegetable products distributed to Tokyo Central and Marukai stores in California.
The FDA's announcement on March 28th confirmed the ongoing nature of the recall, which was first identified on February 18th.
| Store Name | Store Address |
| Tokyo Central Gardena | 1740 Artesia Blvd., Gardena, CA 90248 |
| Tokyo Central Cupertino | 19750 Stevens Creek Blvd.,Cupertino, CA 95014 |
| Marukai Market Little Tokyo | 123 S Onizuka St. #105, Los Angeles,CA 90012 |
| Tokyo Central & Main Pacific | 1620 W Redondo Beach Blvd.,Gardena, CA 90247 |
| Tokyo Central San Diego | 8151 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111 |
| Tokyo Central Torrance | 3832 W Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505 |
| Marukai Market West LA | 12121 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 |
| Tokyo Central Costa Mesa | 2975 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa,CA 92626 |
| Tokyo Central West Covina | 1420 S Azusa Ave., West Covina, CA 91791 |
| Tokyo Central Yorba Linda | 18171 Imperial Hwy., Yorba Linda, CA 92886 |
| Tokyo Central PCH Torrance | 3665 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505 |
Consumers are urged not to consume the products, even if they appear normal in look and smell.
The deceptive nature of Clostridium botulinum means that the bacteria can thrive undetected in food.
Consumers are advised to not consume the affected products regardless of appearance or odor, and seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of botulism. Image source: FDA.
The fear of food recalls is not an isolated sentiment. A Civic Science report from December revealed that more than 80 percent of Americans are worried about such incidents.
With 81 percent of over 2,000 US adults surveyed expressing concern, and nearly a third being very concerned, it's clear that food safety is a national priority.
AKT Trading Inc.'s Response
In a statement published by the FDA, AKT Trading Inc. has expressed its commitment to product safety and quality, assuring the public that this recall is a precautionary measure.
The company is working closely with the FDA to address the situation.
The FDA's guidance for those in possession of the recalled products is straightforward: dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
AKT Trading Inc. is available to answer questions at 310-715-2174.
Also read: URGENT: FDA upgrades recall of canned tuna – now poses severe botulism risk
Have you been affected by this recall? Do you have tips for keeping track of food safety alerts? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
