The Food and Drug Administration announced that Koikoi Trading Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of Fu Zhou Fish Ball products due to undeclared wheat and sesame allergens that pose serious health risks to consumers with food sensitivities.
The Commerce, California-based company is recalling certain lots of FU ZHOU FISH BALL products available in three different pack sizes: 200 grams, 400 grams, and 5 pounds. The recall was initiated after the company discovered that the products may contain undeclared allergens, specifically wheat and sesame, which were not listed on the product labeling.
Consumers who have allergies or severe sensitivities to wheat and sesame face significant health risks if they consume these products. Allergic reactions to wheat and sesame can range from mild symptoms such as hives and digestive discomfort to severe, life-threatening anaphylactic reactions that require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of allergic reactions may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid pulse, dizziness, and severe whole-body reactions.
The FDA's food allergen labeling regulations require manufacturers to clearly identify the presence of major allergens on product labels. Wheat is classified as one of the nine major food allergens recognized by federal law, along with milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame. Sesame was added to the list of major allergens in 2021, requiring clear labeling on food products sold in the United States.
Food manufacturers are required to implement strict allergen control measures throughout their production processes to prevent cross-contamination and ensure accurate labeling. When these systems fail, voluntary recalls serve as an important safety mechanism to protect consumers from potentially dangerous products that have already entered the marketplace.
Fu Zhou fish balls are a popular Asian food product commonly used in soups, hot pot dishes, and other culinary preparations. The products are typically sold in frozen sections of Asian grocery stores and specialty food retailers. Consumers who have purchased these products should check their freezers for the affected items and dispose of them immediately if they have wheat or sesame allergies.
The recall affects products distributed through various retail channels, though the specific distribution areas and lot numbers were not detailed in the initial FDA announcement. Consumers who have purchased Fu Zhou Fish Ball products from Koikoi Trading should examine the packaging carefully and contact the company if they have questions about whether their specific product is included in the recall.
Koikoi Trading Inc. has not reported any illnesses related to the consumption of these products at this time. However, the company took the precautionary step of issuing the recall after discovering the labeling deficiency during routine quality control procedures.
Consumers who experience allergic reactions after consuming food products should seek immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling, or other signs of anaphylaxis. Healthcare providers should be informed about all foods consumed prior to the onset of symptoms to help identify potential allergen exposures.
The FDA recommends that consumers with food allergies always read ingredient labels carefully before consuming packaged foods, even for products they have purchased before, as formulations and manufacturing processes can change. Additionally, consumers should be aware that products manufactured in facilities that process multiple allergens may carry risk of cross-contamination even when allergens are not intentionally added to the product.
Food recalls for undeclared allergens remain a significant public health concern, with hundreds of such recalls issued annually by the FDA. These recalls highlight the ongoing challenges food manufacturers face in maintaining allergen control throughout complex supply chains and production processes.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled Fu Zhou Fish Ball products should dispose of them immediately and may be eligible for refunds from the retailer where the products were purchased. Those with questions about the recall should contact Koikoi Trading Inc. directly for additional information about affected lots and available remedies.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as additional information becomes available. The agency encourages consumers to report any adverse reactions to recalled products through its MedWatch adverse event reporting system, which helps track the safety of food products in the marketplace.