A serious food safety warning has been issued regarding certain pre-cut Japanese pickled vegetables that may contain Clostridium botulinum, a dangerous bacterium that can cause botulism, a rare but serious illness leading to muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, and potentially death.
Recalled Products and Locations
The recall affects multiple vegetable products from California-based company Choshiya Honten Ltd. The affected items were sold at Tokyo Central and Marukai stores in San Diego, Torrance, Gardena, Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, and West Covina, California.
The recalled products include:
- Abura-Itame Zhasai Prepared Sichuan Vegetable
- Fukushin Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables
- Rakkyo Zuke Prepared Vegetables
- Aokappa Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables
- Shiba Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables
Why These Products Are Dangerous
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these products lack proper "Keep Refrigerated" labels, which could allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum if left at room temperature.
The bacterium thrives in low-oxygen environments and can multiply in foods stored without refrigeration, producing deadly neurotoxins. Even small amounts of the toxin can lead to severe illness.
Symptoms of Botulism Poisoning
Symptoms of botulism may appear between 6 hours and 10 days after consuming contaminated food. They include:
- General weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Double vision
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Breathing problems
- Paralysis
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after consuming the affected products, seek immediate medical attention.
What You Should Do
The FDA is urging consumers who purchased these products to immediately discard them or return them to the store for a full refund. Under no circumstances should these vegetables be consumed.
For more information, customers can contact the store where they purchased the product or visit the FDA website for further updates.
