Gusto Group Recalls Klong Kone Shrimp Paste Due to Lead Contamination

PATERSON, N.J. (January 8, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Gusto Group Inc. is voluntarily recalling specific lots of its Klong Kone brand Shrimp Paste due to the presence of elevated levels of lead. According to the FDA, the recall was initiated following a report that four children became ill with diarrhea and were found to have elevated blood lead levels after consuming the product. Subsequent FDA testing confirmed the contamination. Lead is a toxic substance that poses serious health risks, particularly to children, including permanent damage to the central nervous system and developmental defects.

Klong Kone Shrimp Paste Recall: Quick Summary

Gusto Group Inc., based in Paterson, New Jersey, has issued a recall for 1 lb and 2 lb jars of Klong Kone Shrimp Paste. The product, a dark-colored savory condiment imported from Thailand, was distributed to specific retailers in Iowa and New Jersey between April and December 2023. The recall was triggered by confirmed illnesses in four children, making this a high-priority safety alert. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to stop using it immediately and consult a healthcare provider if they or their children have consumed it.

What Happened?

The FDA reported that the recall was initiated after a specific illness cluster was identified. Four children suffered from diarrhea and were subsequently diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels, a condition often linked to the ingestion of contaminated foods or environmental hazards. Following these reports, the FDA collected product samples from retail locations. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the finished products contained elevated levels of lead, prompting the immediate recall.

The company has ceased distribution of the affected lot while the investigation into the source of the contamination—whether from raw ingredients or processing equipment—continues.

Affected Products

The recalled product is packaged in white plastic jars with red caps.

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Product Code	Distribution
Klong Kone	Shrimp Paste	454 g (1 lb)	8853142000313	DPA159	IA, NJ
Klong Kone	Shrimp Paste	910 g (2 lb)	8853142000320	DPA161	IA, NJ

Note: The product was sold directly to Golden Land (Des Moines, IA) and Terri Lee Oriental Groceries (Maywood, NJ). No online sales were reported.

What Caused the Issue?

According to the recall notice, the exact root cause is still under investigation, but the product tested positive for elevated lead levels. Lead contamination in imported spices and pastes can occur through various pathways, including soil contamination in the growing region, the use of lead-based manufacturing equipment, or even the intentional adulteration of spices to enhance color or weight.

Lead toxicity is cumulative. In children, long-term exposure can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and lowered IQ. Acute high-level exposure can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and coma.

Questions You Might Have

1. What specific product is recalled?Klong Kone brand Shrimp Paste in 1 lb and 2 lb jars.
2. How do I identify it?Look for the white jar with a red cap and the UPCs ending in 313 or 320.
3. Has anyone gotten sick?Yes, there has been one report involving four children who became ill.
4. What are the symptoms of lead exposure?Short-term exposure may be asymptomatic, but higher levels can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia. Long-term exposure affects brain development.
5. Where was it sold?It was sold at Golden Land in Des Moines, IA, and Terri Lee Oriental Groceries in Maywood, NJ.
6. When was it sold?Between April 2023 and December 2023.
7. Is it safe if I cook it?No. Cooking does not remove lead. Do not use the product.
8. Can I get a refund?Yes, return the product to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
9. Who is the importer?Gusto Group Inc. of Paterson, NJ.
10. Who can I call?You can contact Gusto Group Inc. at (862) 264-6774 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–5:00 pm ET) or email [email protected].

Here’s What You Should Do

• Stop using the product immediately: Do not cook with it or serve it.
• Check your pantry: If you shop at the specific retailers in Iowa or New Jersey, verify if you have this jar.
• Medical Consultation: If you or your children have consumed this product, consult a doctor and consider testing for blood lead levels.
• Return for refund: Take the item back to the retailer for a full refund.

Behind the Brand

Gusto Group Inc. is a New Jersey-based food importer specializing in Asian grocery products. The recalled Klong Kone Shrimp Paste is a Product of Thailand, packed and distributed by P. Prateepthong 2000. Shrimp paste is a staple ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine, known for its pungent aroma and savory depth (umami), used in curries, sauces, and sambals. Safety oversight for imported traditional foods is critical, as standards in manufacturing can vary.

Other Relevant Recalls

This recall follows a series of significant food safety alerts in early 2026. Most notably, Primavera Nueva Inc. recently updated its recall for Tamales due to Listeria concerns, expanding the scope of its safety protocols. Additionally, Newway Import Inc. recalled Preserved Mustard in late December due to undeclared wheat, highlighting the ongoing challenges with imported condiment safety.

In a related safety alert involving lead hazards, Town Food Service Equipment recalled its Aluminum Saucepans due to lead leaching. While the Gusto Group recall involves a food product, this equipment recall highlights the pervasive risk of heavy metals in the kitchen, where cookware can contaminate otherwise safe ingredients.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, noted:

“Lead contamination is particularly insidious because it accumulates in the body over time. Whether it’s in the food itself or the cookware used to prepare it, rigorous testing and supply chain oversight are the only ways to protect vulnerable populations like children from these invisible toxins.”

Ensuring Safe Eats

Heavy metal contamination in food is often invisible and tasteless, making it a particularly dangerous hazard. Consumers of imported spices and condiments should be aware of recall alerts and buy from reputable sources. While “natural” contaminants like bacteria can sometimes be killed by cooking, chemical contaminants like lead cannot. Strict import controls and testing are the only barriers against these risks.

For more information or to report a concern about a food product, you can visit our contact page at https://source86.com/contact/.