Kameda brand rice cracker Kotsubukko has been recalled across the US because of an undeclared ingredient and known allergen: milk. The product was currently being distributed in retail stores across California, Colorodo, Chicago, Hawaii, Texas and Utah from November 2012 to March 2013 before the product was deemed unfit for sale.
The recall commenced after it was discovered the product may contain milk, even though it was not mentioned on the label. The FDA has put a standstill on the distribution of the product until they can be sure the problem has been corrected.
Nishimoto Trading Co., of Sante Fe Spring, Calif., is itself recalling all 4.37oz packages of Kameda Brand rice cracker with UPC Code 0-74410-63018-8, with various expiration dates, and urge those who have purchased the item to return it for a full refund.
So far, no illnesses have been reported, though milk can be highly allergenic and potentially life-threatening to people with dairy allergies.
This incident is rather small compared to some of the biggest food recalls in US history. In 2009, the Peanut Corp. of America had to recall products that were said to have contained salmonella from a contaminated factory Georgia. There was a total of eight deaths and over 500 reported illnesses. In 2011, 36 million pounds of ground turkey had to be recalled because it was said to have contained a drug resistant strain of salmonella. Kraft Foods had to recall 2.8 million pounds of chicken in 2008, one of the largest poultry recalls in US history.
Though it's more common for recalls to be instated because of contamination, the event is a costly one no matter what the cause. Milk can be just as harmful as bacteria if the person happens to be allergic. All recalled products are generally done so out of health risks, even if a single word is missing from the package.
Contact the FDA for more information. https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm344017.htm
