AFC Distribution Corp. is recalling a certain kind of sushi from retailers because an ingredient in it could be contaminated with a microscopic organism that can cause illnesses in humans.
The company, based in Ranchi Dominguez, CA, announced the recall of all of its sushi ebi with sell-by dates through March 13. The company initiated the recall on March 13 and the Food and Drug Administration posted it today, March 16.
Company officials did not report how the potential contamination with Vibrio parahaemolyticus was discovered. The implicated sushi recall includes all of the ebi products with sell-be dates from Feb. 19 through March 13.
Consumers and retailers can determine whether they have the recalled sushi ebi by looking for lot number 2019.10.02 on the product labels. The recall notice did not include any product photos.
“The recalled ingredient, Cooked Butterfly Tail-On Whiteleg Shrimp (Sushi Ebi), was distributed to designated retail AFC sushi counters, where it is further processed into prepared sushi items, within grocery stores, cafeterias, and corporate dining centers in the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, AD, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WY,” according to the company’s recall notice.
“While AFC has ceased using the recalled ingredient, we urge anyone who has any AFC product containing Cooked Butterfly Tail-On Whiteleg Shrimp to discard or return product to their point of purchase for a full refund.”
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled sushi and developed symptoms of infection from Vibrio parahaemolyticus should immediately seek medical attention. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“. . . about 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill,” according to the CDC.
As of the posting of the recall notice no confirmed illnesses had been reported in relation to the recalled sushi.
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