California company recalls bamboo shoots because of possible botulism

AKT Trading Inc. of Torrance, CA, is recalling 120 packages of Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoots, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism poisoning.

Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

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: 8.8-ounce plastic bag
• JANCODE (UPC): 4983673527332
• Expiration Date: 1/29/2025

No illnesses have been reported to date in relation to this product.

This issue was discovered on Jan. 14 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, according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration. 

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.

Consumers with questions may contact AKT Trading Inc. at 310-715-2174 or info@aktusa.com.

About botulism
Untreated, botulism can paralyze the muscles needed for breathing, resulting in sudden death.

Anyone who has eaten any recalled products and developed signs of botulism poisoning should immediately seek medical attention, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

“In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. However, symptoms can begin as soon as 6 hours after or up to 10 days later,” according to the CDC website.

The symptoms of botulism may include some of all of the following: double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, a thick-feeling tongue, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. People with botulism poisoning may not show all of these symptoms at once.

These symptoms result from muscle paralysis caused by the toxin. If untreated, the disease may progress, and symptoms may worsen to cause paralysis of specific muscles, including those used in breathing and those in the arms, legs, and the body from the neck to the pelvis area.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/02/california-company-recalls-bamboo-shoots-because-of-possible-botulism/