AKT Trading Inc., based in Torrance, California, has issued a voluntary recall of various vegetable products due to potential risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination. Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that causes botulism, a type of food poisoning that can cause severe or fatal illness.
Background
The recall was initiated after the product was found at the Tokyo Central/Marukai retail store being sold under non-refrigerated conditions. The impacted product did not have a “Keep Refrigerated” label. The products have since been removed from sale at this store.
Distribution
The recalled products were distributed at Tokyo Central/Marukai stores in California:
- Tokyo Central Gardena – 1740 Artesia Blvd., Gardena, CA 90248
- Tokyo Central Cupertino – 19750 Stevens Creek Blvd.,Cupertino, CA 95014
- Marukai Market Little Tokyo – 123 S Onizuka St. #105, Los Angeles,CA 90012
- Tokyo Central & Main Pacific – 1620 W Redondo Beach Blvd.,Gardena, CA 90247
- Tokyo Central San Diego – 8151 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
- Tokyo Central Torrance – 3832 W Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505
- Marukai Market West LA – 12121 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
- Tokyo Central Costa Mesa – 2975 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa,CA 92626
- Tokyo Central West Covina -1420 S Azusa Ave., West Covina, CA 91791
- Tokyo Central Yorba Linda -18171 Imperial Hwy., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
- Tokyo Central PCH Torrance – 3665 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505
Product Details
| Brand | Product | Size | Packaging | UPC Code | Expiration Date |
| Japanese Pickles | SHIBA ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES | 1 lbs | Plastic bag | 4582207535128 | 8/27/2025 |
| AOKAPPA ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES | 4582207535135 | 5/14/2025 | |||
| FUKUSHIN ZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES | 4582207535142 | 5/31/2025 7/9/2025 | |||
| SOFT TSUBOZUKE PREPARED MIX VEGETABLES | 4582207535159 | 7/29/2025 | |||
| RAKKYO ZUKE PREPARED VEGETABLES | 4983673526021 | 7/1/2025 8/1/2025 | |||
| Choshiya | ABURA-ITAME ZHASAI PREPARED SICHUAN VEGETABLE | 8.8 oz | 4983673527325 | 2/25/2025 4/3/2025 |
Consumer Action
As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected product even if it looks or smells safe to eat.
Anyone in possession of the recalled product is requested to not sell, serve, donate, or distribute them.
Consumers should thoroughly sanitize any surface or utensils that have come into contact with the recalled product.
The affected product can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund or thrown away.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the company by phone at 310-715-2174 or by email at [email protected].
Health Risks
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall. However, any consumer experiencing symptoms of botulism should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Clostridium botulinum is the bacterium responsible for botulism. Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The most common source of infection is consuming contaminated food, often due to improper handling or preservation. Homemade pickled foods and improperly canned goods are frequent culprits.
Symptoms of botulism typically appear within 12 to 72 hours after exposure, though they can manifest as early as two hours or as late as eight days post-consumption. Symptoms may present as gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, blurred vision, or muscle weakness.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading botulism lawyer said, “Death from botulism is relatively rare. However, an untreated infection can prove fatal. Any consumer exhibiting symptoms of botulism should see their doctor immediately.”
