Ankimo recalls Monkfish Liver due to undeclared milk allergen

• Recall Date Issued: April 28, 2025
• Announced by: FDA on May 1, 2025
• Company: JJWV Marketing Corporation
• Brand: Ankimo
• Product: Monkfish Liver
• Issue: Undeclared milk allergen
• Packaging Details: Vacuum-packed, red label with “ANKIMO” in white lettering
• Action: Return to place of purchase for a full refund

Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading.

What happened?

On April 28, 2025, JJWV Marketing Corporation, based in Santa Fe Springs, California, issued a voluntary recall of its Ankimo Monkfish Liver product. The issue? Milk made a surprise guest appearance in the ingredient list — and no one put its name on the guest list (aka the label).

This allergen oversight can cause serious or life-threatening reactions for those with milk allergies. The recall was triggered after routine checks discovered the product contained milk protein, which was not disclosed on the label.

The frozen monkfish liver was sold in California at Little Tokyo Market Place and H Mart locations, and was available in retail freezers.

Product recall table

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue
Ankimo	Monkfish Liver	N/A	894042-002562	Oct 21–22, 2026 & Oct 17, 2027	Undeclared milk allergen

What caused the issue?

This recall boils down to one major food safety misstep: undeclared milk in a product that should’ve been dairy-free—at least according to the label. Monkfish liver, a delicacy known as Ankimo in Japanese cuisine, was found to contain milk protein, but that key allergen never made it onto the packaging. That’s a serious violation of FDA allergen labeling requirements.

Why is undeclared milk a big deal?

Milk isn’t just a preference-based ingredient—it’s a major allergen under U.S. law. People with milk allergies can experience severe, even life-threatening reactions after consuming even trace amounts. For a company to omit that on a label? That’s not just risky; it’s dangerous.

This wasn’t a case of spoilage or contamination from improper storage. Instead, this was a labeling and manufacturing oversight—an ingredient was present but not disclosed, most likely due to:

• Miscommunication during Co-Manufacturing or Co-Packing.
• Incomplete allergen checks before packaging.
• A breakdown in labeling protocol during production runs.

Health risks and at-risk consumers

Who’s at risk?

• Individuals with milk allergies (especially common in children).
• People with lactose intolerance (though not life-threatening, it can cause severe discomfort).
• Anyone following strict dairy-free diets for medical or ethical reasons.

Symptoms of a milk allergy reaction include:

• Hives, rash, or swelling
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention)

No illnesses have been reported so far—but the risk is significant enough that a full recall was issued.

10 common questions you might have

1. Q: I bought Ankimo monkfish liver—how do I know if mine is affected?
   A: Check the label for UPC 894042-002562 and expiration dates Oct 21 or 22, 2026, or Oct 17, 2027. If it matches, it’s part of the recall.
   
2. Q: Where was this product sold?
   A: In California, specifically at Little Tokyo Market Place and H Mart locations.
   
3. Q: What should I do if I have the recalled product?
   A: Do not consume it. Return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
   
4. Q: Can I cook it to make it safe if I’m allergic?
   A: No. Milk allergens do not break down with heat—the risk remains.
   
5. Q: What if I already ate it and feel fine?
   A: If you have no symptoms and no milk allergy, you’re likely okay. If you do have symptoms or allergies, consult a doctor.
   
6. Q: I’m lactose intolerant, not allergic—should I worry?
   A: While it won’t cause an allergic reaction, you may still experience digestive discomfort.
   
7. Q: Has this brand had other recalls before?
   A: No recent recalls by JJWV Marketing Corporation have been reported, but this issue adds them to a growing list of labeling-related recalls this year.
   
8. Q: How did milk get into monkfish liver in the first place?
   A: It may have been used during processing or packaging, and the label was not updated properly—an issue often tied to Co-Manufacturer miscommunication.
   
9. Q: Is the FDA investigating this further?
   A: The FDA is aware of the recall and it was conducted with their knowledge. No formal investigation has been announced.
   
10. Q: Who do I call for more info?
    A: You can reach JJWV Marketing Corporation at 1-562-906-9988 (Mon–Fri, 8AM–5PM PST).

Here’s what you should do

Not sure if your frozen monkfish liver is part of the recall? Here’s how to tell:

• Look for the red label with white “ANKIMO” lettering.
• Check the UPC: 894042-002562
• Check the expiration date: Oct 21, 2026, Oct 22, 2026, or Oct 17, 2027
• Purchased at: Little Tokyo Market Place or H Mart in California

Next steps:

• Don’t consume it (even if you love monkfish).
• Return it to the store for a full refund.
• Call JJWV Marketing Corp. at 1-562-906-9988 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm PST) for more info.

Behind the brand

JJWV Marketing Corporation specializes in seafood and imported delicacies. While this is not the first allergen recall of the year, it’s the first notable one from this brand recently. However, it joins a growing list of label-related recalls we’ve seen in recent weeks.

Related recalls:

• On April 28, 2025, Taylor Fresh Foods issued a voluntary recall of its Trader Joe’s Sesame Miso Salad with Salmon (10.25 oz) because parmesan contains milk, a major allergen, which wasn’t declared on the label.
• On April 10, 2025, Momo Tea Inc. announced a recall of their MO-CHA Premium Non-Dairy Creamer because it contains milk.

“When it comes to food safety, accurate labeling is everything—especially for allergens like milk that can trigger severe reactions. A misstep like this Ankimo recall, isn’t just a health hazard; it shakes consumer confidence. It’s a strong reminder that every food brand, whether big or small, needs strict quality control and rock-solid label accuracy from start to finish.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86

Ensuring safe eats

This recall may seem like a small fish in the sea, but it’s a big deal for allergy sufferers and a wake-up call for food manufacturers. Label accuracy is non-negotiable—especially when it comes to allergens.

Companies need to:

• Triple-check their packaging and labeling procedures
• Conduct routine allergen tests
• Maintain strict Co-Manufacturer and Co-Packer communication

And for the rest of us? Stay alert and check those labels—especially when buying frozen or specialty foods.

If you’re sourcing bulk ingredients, allergen transparency and supplier reliability matter more than ever. That’s why we’re here. Reach out to our team at Source86 for premium, fully traceable ingredients—without the mystery.