A pickled garlic snack has been recalled from shelves across the country over fears that they may contain undeclared fish allergens.
California-based company Niitakaya USA Inc. has suspended the distribution of two of its products—the Miso Katsuo Ninniku and Shiso Katsuo Ninniku—after they were discovered to contain traces of bonito fish that were not listed on the packaging.
"People who have allergies to fish run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wrote in a statement.
The FDA added that the products have been distributed across the U.S. to retail stores and through distributors.
Newsweek has contacted Niitakaya USA Inc. by email for comment. It is unclear how the fish traces made their way into the product.
Katsuo Ninniku is a pickled Japanese garlic, usually marinated in soy sauce and black vinegar. It is used as both a snack, topping and a condiment, and comes in a variety of flavors.
Fish allergies affect roughly 1 percent of all Americans, the Food Allergy Research and Education Organization estimates. Unlike other food allergies, which typically emerge during infancy or childhood, fish allergies often don't become apparent until adulthood.
Symptoms of a fish allergy can range from skin rashes, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, asthma and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. This is a potentially life-threatening reaction that hinders our breathing and can cause our blood pressure to drop dangerously low, limiting blood flow to our vital organs.
Anaphylaxis can be treated using an epinephrine injection—also known as an EpiPen. Epinephrine is a naturally occurring molecule in our bodies that is more commonly known as adrenaline, the hormone that regulates our fight-or-flight response. This hormone plays a crucial role in controlling the contraction and relaxation of our muscles, as well as regulating our blood flow, helping to reverse the dangerous symptoms of anaphylaxis.
If you suffer from severe allergies, it is important to carry your epinephrine injection with you.
Luckily, no illnesses have been reported in relation to the recalled Katsuo Ninniku products. Distribution of the products will be suspended until the company is certain that the problem has been fixed. Consumers who have purchased the products are urged to return them for a full refund if they are allergic to fish.
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