Highest risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Choshiya Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoot recall: Potential Foodborne Illness - Botulism

Recall published 1+ years ago

Potential Foodborne Illness - Botulism

Choshiya Other food products — recalled other food products
Photo published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Botulism risk

This notice is about a possible botulism risk, which is the one food recall where "I will deal with it later" is the wrong answer.

What the notice says: AKT Trading Inc of Torrance, California is recalling 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoot Product, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum , a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.

Why it matters: This product may not have been processed in a way that reliably destroys Clostridium botulinum spores. The toxin they can produce in a sealed container is one of the most dangerous substances in food safety, and it is tasteless and odourless.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

Botulism is a medical emergency. The CDC lists double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, a dry mouth, and muscle weakness that starts in the face and moves down the body. In an infant, watch for poor feeding, a weak cry, drooping eyelids and unusual floppiness. Call 911 or go to an emergency department immediately if any of these appear after eating a recalled product — treatment works best when it is given early.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Published
February 11, 2025
Risk level
Highest risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Choshiya
Product type
Other food products
Distribution
California
UPC codes
4983673527332
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been reported to date.

Products covered by this recall

Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoot

What the company announced

AKT Trading Inc of Torrance, California is recalling 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoot Product, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum , a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism , a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The bamboo shoot product was distributed at Tokyo Central Costa Mesa store in Costa Mesa, California.

The affected product is packaged in a plastic bag and can be identified by the following information:

Brand Name: CHOSHIYA

Product Name: MENMA AJITSUKE PREPARED BAMBOO SHOOTS

Container: 8.8oz plastic bag

JANCODE (UPC): 4983673527332

Expiration Date: 1/29/2025

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This issue was discovered on 1/14/2025 at the Tokyo Central Costa Mesa retail store where the product was found being sold under ambient (non-refrigerated) conditions. The missing "Keep Refrigerated" label likely contributed to this issue. The product was immediately removed from sale at this location. Consumers who have purchased the affected product with the specified expiration date are urged not to consume it. Consumers should discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

AKT Trading Inc. is committed to the safety and quality of its products and is taking this action out of an abundance of caution. We are cooperating fully with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this matter.

Consumers with questions may contact AKT Trading Inc. at 310-715-2174 or [email protected] .

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

Check your product

The notice names 3 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

UPC / barcode

Read the twelve digits under the barcode on the package.

  • 4983673527332

Best-by / use-by date

Printed beside the lot code, not on the price sticker.

  • 1/29/2025

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 8.8 oz

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Botulism

Choshiya — This notice is about a possible botulism risk, which is the one food recall where "I will deal with it later" is the wrong answer.

  1. Do not taste it. Not even a small amount, and not to check whether it has turned.
  2. Do not open the container. If it is already open, do not sniff it — double-bag it and keep it away from children and pets.
  3. Throw it away so nobody else can retrieve it, or follow the disposal wording in the official notice if it specifies a method.
  4. Wash anything the contents spilled on with a bleach solution and wear gloves while you do it.

How to get your money back

Food recalls carry a full refund, and in the United States you usually do not need the receipt or the packaging.

  • Take the product, or your photo of the label, to the customer service desk of the store where you bought it. Nearly every national grocer refunds recalled food on the spot.
  • Bought it online? Open the order in your account and use the refund option; marketplace sellers are required to honour a federal recall.
  • If the store refuses, contact the recalling company using the details on this page. The firm, not the shop, carries the cost of a recall.
  • If you have a loyalty card, the retailer can look the purchase up in your history — Kroger, Costco and Walmart all do this routinely.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers should discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: AKT Trading Inc. — Consumers: AKT Trading Inc., 310-715-2174, [email protected]

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Choshiya other food products recalled?

Potential Foodborne Illness - Botulism AKT Trading Inc of Torrance, California is recalling 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoot Product, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum , a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: UPC 4983673527332; best-by date 1/29/2025. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Do not taste it. Not even a small amount, and not to check whether it has turned.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Consumers should discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists California.

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