The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its highest risk warning for the recall of containers of kimchi and mackerel because of undeclared milk and shrimp.
Lee K of NY Inc, of New York, issued a voluntary recall for containers of Pinocchio Catering Aged Kimchi Mackerel on September 8. The FDA then issued a Class I warning, one of three, for the product on October 7.
Newsweek has contacted Lee K of NY Inc for comment via telephone and email.
Why it Matters
The FDA defines a Class I recall as a “situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Milk and shellfish are two of the nine major food allergens as set out in the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act. The others are sesame, eggs, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.
Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms, such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications, such as anaphylaxis, that may include fatal respiratory problems. According to Food, Allergy, Research and Education (FARE) approximately 6.2 million people in the United States have a food allergy to milk and 8.4 million to shellfish.
What To Know
The product impacted by the recall is the 57 oz. Pinocchio Catering Aged Kimchi Mackerel. The product comes in black bottomed plastic container with the UPC #27300700000.
The recalled product was distributed in New York and New Jersey and has an expiration date of September 16, 2025. In total, 43 units were distributed.
The recall was initiated after inspectors from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets determined that the product label did not list milk and shrimp as ingredients.
As of October 9, there is no information on any illnesses associated with the recall.
What People Are Saying
In a recall notice issued on September 23, the FDA wrote: “Lee K of NY INC of Flushing, NY, is recalling its 57-ounce packages of “Stewed Aged Kimchi w/ Mackerel” in black bottomed plastic container because it contains undeclared milk and shrimp. People who have allergies to milk and shrimp run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.”
What Happens Next?
The FDA advises customers who purchased the recalled kimchi to return it to the original point of sale for a refund and avoid consumption under any circumstances. Those with questions can contact the distributor Lee K of NY INC directly via telephone on 718-460-0707.