Ocinet recalls And Kimchi branded sliced kimchi over undeclared fish (anchovies)

DOWNEY, CA (May 5, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall issued by Ocinet, Inc. of Downey, California, covering all sizes of its “…And Kimchi” branded sliced kimchi due to the presence of undeclared fish (anchovies). According to the FDA, the product was distributed in packaging that did not disclose the presence of fish. People with a fish allergy or severe sensitivity run the risk of a serious or potentially fatal allergic reaction if they consume the product. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Ocinet recall: Quick summary

Ocinet, Inc. announced a voluntary recall on May 4, 2026, covering all codes of “…And Kimchi” branded sliced kimchi across three jar sizes: 126 oz, 63 oz, and 30 oz. The product contains anchovies, a major food allergen under federal law, that do not appear on the product label. Distribution was limited to six Zion Market locations in California, Georgia, and Texas. Consumers who purchased any size of the recalled kimchi should stop consuming it immediately and return it to the Zion Market location where it was purchased for a full refund.

What happened?

The FDA said Ocinet, Inc. initiated the voluntary recall on May 4, 2026, after discovering that its “…And Kimchi” sliced kimchi was distributed in packaging that did not disclose the presence of fish. The product contains anchovies, which are classified as a major food allergen under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA).

The recall covers all three available jar sizes across all product codes. Ocinet confirmed that distribution of the product has been suspended until the company is certain the problem has been corrected. The company directed consumers to return the product to the Zion Market retail location where it was purchased. Consumers may also contact Ocinet directly by email at [email protected].

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Affected products

Brand	Product	Sizes	UPCs	Code dates	Issue	Retail locations
…And Kimchi	Sliced Kimchi	126 oz, 63 oz, 30 oz clear plastic jars	8541200408, 8541200409, 8541200411	All codes	Undeclared fish (anchovies)	Zion Market: San Diego CA, Irvine CA, Los Angeles CA, Buena Park CA, Duluth GA, Lewisville TX

Zion Market store contacts

Location	Address	Phone
San Diego, CA	8330 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111	(858) 268-3300
Irvine, CA	4800 Irvine Blvd, Irvine, CA 92620	(714) 832-5600
Los Angeles, CA	750 S Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005	(213) 302-3792
Buena Park, CA	5400 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90621	(714) 367-5400
Duluth, GA	2340 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth, GA 30096	(770) 813-3200
Lewisville, TX	2405 S Stemmons Fwy, Lewisville, TX 75067	(972) 315-1734

What caused the issue?

Anchovies in kimchi: a common ingredient, an uncommon disclosure problem

Anchovies are a traditional ingredient in many styles of Korean kimchi. Fish sauce or salted fermented anchovies (jeotgal) are used to build depth of flavor during fermentation in a wide range of kimchi varieties. However, many consumers deliberately seek out kimchi without fish-based ingredients, including vegetarians, vegans, and people with fish allergies. For those consumers, the label is the only tool they have to determine whether a product is safe.

In this case, the “…And Kimchi” sliced kimchi contained anchovies that were not declared on the packaging label. Under FALCPA, fish is one of the nine major food allergens that must be clearly disclosed on every product sold in the United States. The recall notice does not specify the exact cause of the omission, whether it was a formulation oversight, a labeling error, or a change in the product recipe that was not reflected on the package.

Why fish allergens are serious

Fish allergies are among the most persistent and potentially severe food allergies. Unlike some childhood allergies that may diminish over time, fish allergies frequently persist into adulthood and can cause reactions ranging from hives and gastrointestinal distress to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a rapid, potentially fatal immune response that requires immediate emergency treatment, typically with an epinephrine injection. Even trace amounts of fish proteins can trigger a severe reaction in highly sensitive individuals.

For consumers who eat kimchi as a regular part of their diet, particularly those managing fish allergies within Korean or Asian American households where kimchi is a staple, the assumption that a labeled product is safe is entirely reasonable. A missing allergen declaration in that context is not a minor oversight. It is a direct threat to health.

The vegan and vegetarian angle

Beyond the allergen risk, this recall is also significant for the plant-based consumer segment. Vegan and vegetarian consumers frequently shop at Korean grocery stores and specialty markets for kimchi precisely because it is a fermented vegetable product. Many specifically check for fish sauce or anchovy content when choosing a kimchi brand. The availability of both traditional fish-based and vegan kimchi varieties in the same retail channel makes accurate labeling especially important in this category.

Questions you might have

1. Which products are included in this recall? The recall covers all codes of “…And Kimchi” branded sliced kimchi in three sizes: the 126 oz clear plastic jar (UPC 8541200408), the 63 oz clear plastic jar (UPC 8541200409), and the 30 oz clear plastic jar (UPC 8541200411). All jars are marked with the “…And Kimchi” logo in red font. All production codes are included in the recall.
2. Where was this product sold? The recalled kimchi was distributed exclusively to six Zion Market locations: San Diego, Irvine, Los Angeles, and Buena Park in California; Duluth in Georgia; and Lewisville in Texas. It was not sold at other retailers or through online channels. If you purchased “…And Kimchi” branded sliced kimchi at any of these six Zion Market locations, your product is covered by this recall.
3. What allergen is undeclared in this product? The product contains anchovies, which are classified as fish, one of the nine major food allergens under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). Fish was not declared on the product label. Anyone with a fish allergy or severe sensitivity to fish should not consume this product.
4. What are the health risks of consuming this product with a fish allergy? People with fish allergies may experience a range of allergic reactions after consuming undeclared anchovies, from mild symptoms such as hives, itching, and gastrointestinal discomfort to severe anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a rapid immune response that can cause a drop in blood pressure, swelling of the throat, and difficulty breathing, and can be fatal without emergency treatment. If you have consumed this product and are experiencing any allergic symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
5. Why do some kimchi products contain anchovies? Anchovies and fish sauce are traditional ingredients in many Korean kimchi recipes, where they are used as a fermentation aid and flavor base. However, plant-based versions of kimchi are made without any fish-derived ingredients. Both types are commonly sold in Korean grocery stores. For consumers with fish allergies, vegetarians, and vegans, accurate label disclosure is the only reliable way to distinguish between the two.
6. Were any illnesses reported? No. As of the recall announcement on May 4, 2026, no illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled product.
7. How do I return the product and get a refund? Return the product to the Zion Market location where you purchased it for a full refund. Each store can also be contacted by phone (see the store contact table above) or by email at [email protected]. You may also contact the manufacturer directly at [email protected].
8. Is this a voluntary recall or was it ordered by the FDA? This is a voluntary recall initiated by Ocinet, Inc., conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
9. Has Ocinet stopped selling this product? Yes. According to the recall notice, Ocinet has suspended distribution of the product until the company is certain the labeling problem has been corrected.
10. What should I do if I consumed the product and have a fish allergy? If you consumed “…And Kimchi” branded sliced kimchi and have a fish allergy or sensitivity, monitor yourself closely for any signs of an allergic reaction. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or a drop in blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. You can also report adverse reactions to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 1-800-332-1088.

Here’s what you should do

• What to do with the product: Stop consuming it immediately. Return it to the Zion Market location where you purchased it for a full refund.
• How to identify the affected product: Clear plastic jar in 126 oz, 63 oz, or 30 oz size with the “…And Kimchi” logo in red font. UPCs: 8541200408 (126 oz), 8541200409 (63 oz), 8541200411 (30 oz). All codes are included.
• Brand contact details: Ocinet, Inc.: [email protected]. Zion Market stores: [email protected] (see store contact table above for individual phone numbers).

Behind the brand

Ocinet, Inc. is a Downey, California-based kimchi producer whose Korean name translates approximately as “Oh’s Family Kimchi.” The brand has developed a loyal following among Korean American communities in the Los Angeles area, where it is recognized as one of the most popular commercially produced kimchi brands. The product is known for its fresh, lightly fermented profile and has been available at Korean grocery retailers across Southern California for many years.

Zion Market is a Korean American supermarket chain with locations across California, Georgia, and Texas, serving Korean and broader Asian American communities with a wide selection of Korean groceries, fresh produce, prepared foods, and specialty ingredients including a large kimchi section. The chain is a major retail channel for Korean food brands sold in the United States.

Source86 reached out to Ocinet, Inc. for additional comment on the root cause of the undeclared anchovy label issue and the timeline for corrective action, but had not received a response beyond the company’s published recall notice at the time of publication.

Other relevant recalls

Undeclared fish allergens in fermented or pickled food products have appeared in recall notices with some regularity, often in specialty or ethnic food categories where traditional formulations include fish-derived ingredients not always familiar to consumers outside the originating food culture. In 2025, multiple brands of Asian-style condiments and sauces were recalled for undeclared fish sauce or shrimp paste. More broadly, the pattern of undeclared allergens in specialty and artisan food products is consistent with findings across the food industry. In April 2026, We R Nuts recalled Uncle Giuseppe’s Milk Chocolate Bridge Mix after three allergens including cashews were missing from the label of a specialty retail product. In May 2026, Second Nature Brands recalled Keto Crunch Smart Mix after cashews and pistachios were found in pouches whose labels did not list them. Earlier this year, Favorina Chocolate Ladybugs were recalled at Lidl US stores after hazelnut was found undeclared in a specialty candy product across ten states. And the Blueroot Health recall of Vital Nutrients Aller-C demonstrated that even supplement products marketed specifically for allergy support can carry undisclosed allergens.

A food allergen specialist noted the particular challenge that traditional fermented foods present:

“In Korean cooking, fish sauce and salted anchovies are as fundamental as salt is in Western cooking. They are often added without being thought of as a discrete ingredient that needs separate declaration. That cultural assumption does not translate to a U.S. regulatory environment where every fish-derived ingredient must be labeled, regardless of how traditional its use is.”

A Korean food industry consultant added:

“The kimchi category is growing rapidly in the United States, and a significant portion of that growth is coming from consumers who are specifically seeking plant-based or allergen-free options. Producers in this category have an urgent responsibility to ensure their labels accurately reflect what is inside the jar.”

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said the Ocinet recall reflects a labeling challenge that is common when traditional food producers enter regulated U.S. retail channels:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability. That standard applies equally to artisan producers and national brands alike.”

Ensuring safe eats

The Ocinet “…And Kimchi” recall is a serious reminder that undeclared fish allergens can appear in products where consumers might not expect them, including fermented vegetable foods that are often assumed to be plant-based. For consumers with fish allergies, vegetarians, or vegans who purchased this product at any of the six Zion Market locations covered by this recall, the risk is real and immediate.

Stop consuming “…And Kimchi” branded sliced kimchi in any size immediately. Return it to the Zion Market where you purchased it for a full refund. Contact the store by phone or email at [email protected], or reach Ocinet directly at [email protected].

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly. Our team works directly with manufacturers and specialty food producers to implement the allergen disclosure and label verification protocols that prevent issues like this from reaching consumers. Reach out to learn how Source86 can support your brand’s food safety program.