Elevated risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Niitakaya Shiso Katsuo Ninniku & Miso Katsuo Ninniku recall: Undeclared Fish (Bonito)

Recall published 2+ years ago

Undeclared Fish (Bonito)

Niitakaya Other food products — recalled other food productsNiitakaya Other food products — recalled other food products (photo 2)Niitakaya Other food products — recalled other food products (photo 3)Niitakaya Other food products — recalled other food products (photo 4)
4 photos published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Undeclared fish or shellfish

The product contains fish or shellfish that the packaging never declared. If nobody in your home avoids fish or shellfish, there is no health reason to throw it away — though the refund still stands.

What the notice says: People who have allergies to fish run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Why it matters: The label does not declare fish or shellfish, so anyone who reads labels to avoid it has no way of knowing it is in there. For people without that allergy the product is safe to eat.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

An undeclared allergen is a danger only to people allergic or intolerant to that ingredient. For everyone else the food is safe. Reactions range from an itchy mouth, hives, stomach cramps or vomiting through to anaphylaxis — swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, a tight chest, wheezing, a sudden drop in blood pressure or collapse. If anaphylaxis is suspected, use an epinephrine auto-injector straight away and call 911, even if the symptoms seem to settle, because a second wave can follow hours later.

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
September 4, 2024
Risk level
Elevated risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Niitakaya
Product type
Other food products
Distribution
Nationwide
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been reported to date.

Products covered by this recall

Shiso Katsuo Ninniku & Miso Katsuo Ninniku

What the company announced

Niitakaya USA Inc. of Montebello, CA, is recalling All Best By dates of its 5.2 ounce (147 gram) packages of #3700 Shiso Katsuo Ninniku /#3701 Miso Katsuo Ninniku because they may contain undeclared Allergen of Fish (Bonito). People who have allergies to fish run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled #3700 Shiso Katsuo Ninniku /#3701 Miso Katsuo Ninniku were distributed nationwide to retail stores and through distributors.

The product comes in a 5.2 ounce (147 grams), clear plastic package marked with Niitakaya logo on the top. The product images are below. The Best By date will be located in the top back part of the package.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing Fish (Bonito) was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of “Containing allergen: Fish (Bonito)”.

Distribution of the product has been suspended until the company is certain that the problem has been corrected.

Consumers who have purchased 5.2 ounce (147 grams) packages of #3700 Shiso Katsuo Ninniku and #3701 Miso Katsuo Ninniku are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, if allergic to fish. Consumers with questions may contact the company Monday to Friday 7AM-3PM PDT at 323-720-5050.

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

Model or item number

On the rating label, the box or the instruction sheet.

  • 3701 M

Package size

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

  • 5.2 ounce
  • 147 gram
  • 147 grams

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 Fish

Niitakaya — The product contains fish or shellfish that the packaging never declared. If nobody in your home avoids fish or shellfish, there is no health reason to throw it away — though the refund still stands.

  1. If anyone in your household avoids fish or shellfish, stop serving the product immediately and check whether any was used in food already prepared.
  2. Make sure the household epinephrine auto-injector is where it should be and in date, if someone here carries one.
  3. If a reaction has already happened, report it to the FDA through its consumer complaint coordinator so the case is attached to this recall.
  4. Tell anyone else who eats from your kitchen, including childminders, schools and anyone catering an event you contributed to.

Getting a refund without the pack

The commonest reason people skip the refund is that they have already thrown the item away. That rarely matters.

  • A photo of the label and lot code is accepted by most grocers, and so is a card statement line showing the purchase.
  • Store credit is often offered first. You can ask for the original payment method instead, and it is normally granted.
  • No photo either? Ask anyway. Grocery chains settle recall refunds at the service desk because disputing them costs more than paying them.
  • For a multi-pack or a case, ask for the full purchase price rather than a per-unit figure — the recall covers what you paid.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers who have purchased 5.2 ounce (147 grams) packages of #3700 Shiso Katsuo Ninniku and #3701 Miso Katsuo Ninniku are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, if allergic to fish.

Company contact: Niitakaya USA Inc. — Consumers: 323-720-5050

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 Niitakaya other food products recalled?

Undeclared Fish (Bonito) People who have allergies to fish run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: model number 3701 M. 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?

If anyone in your household avoids fish or shellfish, stop serving the product immediately and check whether any was used in food already prepared.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Consumers who have purchased 5.2 ounce (147 grams) packages of #3700 Shiso Katsuo Ninniku and #3701 Miso Katsuo Ninniku are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, if allergic to fish.

Where was the recalled product sold?

It was distributed nationwide.

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