Tejal Somvanshi
A missing refrigeration label has turned into a serious health concern in California. AKT Trading Inc. pulled 120 packages of its seasoned bamboo shoots from store shelves this February after finding they might contain bacteria that can cause deadly food poisoning.
The issue was discovered when the product was found being sold at room temperature at Tokyo Central Costa Mesa store. These shoots, sold under the brand name CHOSHIYA, should have been kept cold to prevent dangerous bacteria from growing.
“Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” AKT Trading warned in their announcement. This is particularly important because the type of food poisoning involved – called botulism – can be fatal.
When food safety inspectors investigated the company’s facility, they found serious violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food regulation.
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For anyone who bought these bamboo shoots, the potential symptoms include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension, and constipation.
The affected bamboo shoots come in 8.8-ounce plastic bags and have a date of January 29, 2025, printed on them. Anyone who has these shoots at home should either throw them away or take them back to the store for a refund.
While no one has gotten sick yet, food safety science shows that bacteria in improperly stored food can create poison even if the food looks and smells fine. The product was immediately removed from sale at this location once the issue was discovered.
The incident shows how a simple mistake in food storage – keeping food at room temperature instead of in the refrigerator – can create serious health risks. When foods that should be cold sit at room temperature, dangerous bacteria can multiply and produce harmful toxins.
AKT Trading says they’re working closely with food safety officials. The company is cooperating fully with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this matter. Meanwhile, anyone who gets sick after eating these bamboo shoots should seek immediate medical attention.
For questions about refunds or concerns, people can call AKT Trading at 310-715-2174 or email them at [email protected].
