AKT Trading Inc. recalls prepared vegetable products

Date Issued: March 3, 2025
Announced by: FDA on March 3, 2025
Company: AKT Trading Inc.
Product Name: Various prepared vegetable products
Issue: Potential risk of Clostridium botulinum due to missing “Keep Refrigerated” label
Product Details: Sold in 1lb plastic bags and 8.8oz plastic bags under multiple brand names
Action to Take: Do not consume; discard or return for a refund

Stick around to find out more about this recall!

What happened?

AKT Trading Inc. of Torrance, California, has issued a recall for specific prepared vegetable products manufactured by Choshiya Honten Co., Ltd. due to a potential risk of Clostridium botulinum. The issue was discovered on February 18, 2025, at a Tokyo Central / Marukai retail store located in California, where it was found that the products lacked the “Keep Refrigerated” label. Without proper storage, the bacteria can grow and pose serious health risks.

Affected products:

Brand	Product Name	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue	Distributed in (State)
Japanese Pickles	SHIBA ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES	1lb	4582207535128	8/27/2025	Missing refrigeration label	California
Japanese Pickles	AOKAPPA ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES	1lb	4582207535135	5/14/2025	Missing refrigeration label	California
Japanese Pickles	FUKUSHIN ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES	1lb	4582207535142	7/9/2025, 5/31/2025	Missing refrigeration label	California
Japanese Pickles	SOFT TSUBOZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES	1lb	4582207535159	7/29/2025	Missing refrigeration label	California
Japanese Pickles	RAKKYO ZUKE PREPARED VEGETABLES	1lb	4983673526021	8/1/2025, 7/1/2025	Missing refrigeration label	California
CHOSHIYA	ABURA-ITAME ZHASAI PREPARED SICHUAN VEGETABLE	8.8oz	4983673527325	4/3/2025, 2/25/2025	Missing refrigeration label	California

What caused the issue?

The recall stems from the absence of the “Keep Refrigerated” statement on the packaging. Without proper refrigeration, Clostridium botulinum can thrive, producing toxins that cause botulism.

The risks of Clostridium botulinum

Clostridium botulinum is a bacteria that grows in low-oxygen environments, such as improperly stored food.
When food is not refrigerated correctly, the bacteria produce a dangerous toxin that attacks the nervous system.
Even a small amount of this toxin can cause severe illness.

Who is at risk?

Pregnant women
Infants under one year old
Elderly individuals
People with weakened immune systems
Anyone consuming improperly stored or contaminated food

Symptoms of botulism

Weakness and dizziness
Double or blurred vision
Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
Slurred speech
Difficulty breathing, which can lead to respiratory failure
Abdominal distension, nausea, and constipation

No illnesses have been reported to date, but affected individuals should seek immediate medical attention.

10 common questions you may have

What should I do if I bought one of these products?
- Do not consume it. Return it to the store or dispose of it safely.
How can I tell if I have a recalled product?
- Check the UPC and best-by date on your packaging.
Can I get sick if I’ve already eaten it?
- If improperly stored, the risk exists. Monitor for symptoms and seek medical help if needed.
What if my product looks and smells fine?
- Botulism toxins are invisible and odorless. Do not take any risks.
Can I cook or boil the product to make it safe?
- No. The toxin remains even after cooking at high temperatures.
Has anyone gotten sick from this recall?
- No illnesses have been reported as of now.
Where were these products sold?
- Tokyo Central / Marukai stores located in California and possibly other retailers.
Will I get a refund?
- Yes, you can return the product for a full refund.
How did this mistake happen?
- The packaging failed to include a “Keep Refrigerated” label, leading to the recall.
Who can I contact for more information?

AKT Trading Inc. at 310-715-2174 or [email protected].

Here’s what you should do

AKT Trading Inc. Recall Prepared Vegetable Products

AKT Trading Inc. Recall Prepared Vegetable Products (1)

Check your labels: Look for the affected products with the listed UPC and best-by dates.
Do not consume: Even if the product appears fine, it may be dangerous.
Dispose of it safely: Either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Contact the company: AKT Trading Inc. can be reached at 310-715-2174 (M-F, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM PST) or via email at [email protected].

Behind the brand

AKT Trading Inc. specializes in importing and distributing food products. Unfortunately, this is not the first recall related to missing refrigeration labels from the company. On February 11, 2025, AKT Trading Inc. issued a recall for 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoots due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum as well.

For previous recalls and FDA updates, check the FDA Recall Page.

“Source86 emphasizes the importance of food safety and proper labeling, stating that when refrigeration instructions are missing from perishable products, consumers may unknowingly store them improperly, leading to the potential growth of harmful bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum. This oversight can pose significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations. Clear and accurate labeling is a fundamental responsibility of food manufacturers to ensure consumer safety and prevent foodborne illnesses.” Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights the risks of improper labeling and storage in the food industry. It serves as a reminder that companies must ensure their products are clearly labeled to prevent potential health hazards.