5000 Years Foods Inc. of Chicago is recalling certain kimchi because of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall was the result of sampling by the FDA that found Listeria monocytogenes in 5000 Years Foods Inc.’s production facility.

The recalled products were first distributed in Illinois and then further distributed to retail stores, potentially nationwide.

Recalled products:

  • Sliced Cabbage Kimchi
  • Whole Cabbage Kimchi
  • Julrado Whole Cabbage Kimchi
  • Julrado Sliced Cabbage Kimchi
  • No MSG Whole Cabbage Kimchi
  • No MSG Sliced Cabbage Kimchi
  • No MSG Julrado Whole Cabbage Kimchi
  • No MSG Julrado Sliced Cabbage Kimchi
  • White Kimchi
  • Baby Napa Kimchi

The products were sold in 5-gallon plastic tubs, and 128-ounce, 64-ounce, 32-ounce, and 16-ounce glass jars under the 5000 Years Foods brand name.

Code information “09052021” through “09252021” is printed on the top of the lid. 

As of the posting of this recall, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled product.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should not consume them and are urged to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, according to the company recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.

Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.

Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

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