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On May 4,2026 Ocinet, Inc. Issued a voluntary recall on some "...And Kimchi" branded sliced kimchi for sale in the US. This recall was also posted on the same date by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. Ocinet issued this recall as a precautionary measure for anchovy allergen undeclared in the certain kimchi they manufacture. The kimchi involved in the recall was sold only at selected Asian grocery stores (Zion Markets) in California, Georgia, and Texas, not all of Ocinet, Inc. Locations and products. [1]

Ocinet, Inc. Recalls “…And Kimchi” Sliced Kimchi Due to Undeclared Anchovy Allergen

Recall June 25 , 2026

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Category of the Product: Food & Beverages
Type of the Product: Fermented vegetable / Ready-to-eat sliced kimchi
Reason for Announcement: Potential or undeclared anchovy (fish) allergen (due to labelling/ packaging error during processing)

On May 4,2026 Ocinet, Inc. Issued a voluntary recall on some “…And Kimchi” branded sliced kimchi for sale in the US. This recall was also posted on the same date by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. Ocinet issued this recall as a precautionary measure for anchovy allergen undeclared in the certain kimchi they manufacture. The kimchi involved in the recall was sold only at selected Asian grocery stores (Zion Markets) in California, Georgia, and Texas, not all of Ocinet, Inc. Locations and products.  [1]

Reason for Warning

The reason for the recall is because undeclared anchovy (fish) allergen on some of the kimchi products named. Fish is one of the major food allergens in the U.S and not declaring it can cause health risks. Allergic individuals who are susceptible to fish allergies could have a severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) if they ingest the products without knowing there is a fish allergen on it. [2]

Root Cause Analysis

The company said that the problem had been caused by a labelling or packaging error at the processing stage and the anchovy was not labelled sufficiently on the product. According to the recall notice, the issue resulted from a labeling or packaging error during processing that led to the omission of anchovy (fish) allergen information on the product label. The company reported that the cause of the issue had been identified and corrective measures were being implemented to prevent recurrence. No additional details regarding supplier issues, cross-contamination, or allergen control failures were provided in the public recall notice. Ocinet, Inc. State that the cause of the issue has been identified and action is being taken to prevent further occurrence. This has pointed out a gap in the allergy checking and label verification procedure, which are important to product safety and labeling regulation of the fermented food which uses traditional, complicated formula.[1] [2]

Product Description

Product Name

Package Size

UPC

Best Before Date

Distribution Area/Stores

“…And Kimchi” Sliced Kimchi

126 oz (3.57 kg)

8541200408

See jar lid

California, Georgia, Texas (Zion Markets)

“…And Kimchi” Sliced Kimchi

63 oz (1.78 kg)

8541200409

See jar lid

California, Georgia, Texas (Zion Markets)

“…And Kimchi” Sliced Kimchi

30 oz (850 g)

8541200411

See jar lid

California, Georgia, Texas (Zion Markets)

 

Note: Best before dates are printed on the jar lid. UPC variations for the 63 oz product have been reported.

Health Issue Identified

The main problem reported is undeclared anchovy (fish) allergen. This constitutes an urgent food safety issue, especially for individuals suffering from food allergies. To date there have been no illnesses reported; it is nevertheless an urgent issue of public health as the risk posed by the allergen is considered sufficiently high to justify a recall. The recalled product was subject to market withdrawal and consumers were advised not to consume affected units. [3]

Concerns from Regulatory Body

The major regulatory issue with this recall involves the undeclared anchovy (fish) allergen, which can be life-threatening to an individual allergic to fish. Fish is an important allergen in the U.S. Regulations concerning food labeling; therefore, the food labels must reflect any declaration of a major food allergen present in the food product.

The U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) require major food allergens (which include various types of fish, such as anchovies) to be declared on the labels of all foods that contain them. Misleading or incorrect labeling regarding allergens means that the food is misbranded, and therefore subject to enforcement action. Regulatory agencies typically assess how well the manufacturer’s allergen management, ingredients, and label approval system works to understand how the error occurred and what corrective action have been implemented. [4]

Undeclared anchovy allergen

Key Regulatory Considerations

  • Compliance with mandatory allergen labeling requirements.
  • Accuracy of ingredient declaration and labeling information.
  • Effectiveness of allergen control and label verification procedures.
  • Implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Traceability and timely removal of affected products from the market.

This recall highlights the importance of robust allergen control and labeling practices to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

Manufacturer and Consumer Guidance

For Consumers:

  • If the consumer is allergic to fish/anchovies, they should not eat the aforementioned “…And Kimchi” sliced kimchi.
  • Returned items should be disposed of immediately in a secure manner or returned to their purchase location for a full refund.
  • The consumers can contact Ocinet Inc.’s customer service department if they have further questions.
  • Consumers that consumed the product are advised to monitor allergic symptoms (hives, rash, swelling, shortness of breath) and report to their local physician immediately if the symptoms arise.

For Manufacturer (Ocinet, Inc.):

  • Remove affected recalled products from distribution and retail channels in accordance with recall procedures.
  • Effectively communicate with consumers and the regulatory agency.
  • Improve allergen control program and the ability to track all ingredients within the products.
  • Implement a pre-release label review procedure.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning procedures in multi-use production facility.
  • Incorporate allergen risk evaluation at the product development and commercialization phase.
  • The Company stated that customer safety is the company’s priority.

FRL Commentary

This recall serves as a reminder of the significance of effective allergen management and labeling for fermented foods. In the case where allergen issue is related to a labeling mistake rather than contaminated product, undeclared allergen still carries health risks to the allergic individuals.

For Food Research Lab, avoidance of allergen recall involves preventative approach to product development and manufacturing. Key preventive measures include:

  • Carry out allergen mapping in new product development (NPD)
  • Implement a robust Allergen Control Program (ACP)
  • Check labels and ingredient declarations prior to product release
  • Validate suppliers and check on ingredient specification.
  • Carry out cleaning validation on the shared manufacturing line.
  • Establish efficient batch tracking system and traceability.

Fermented foods, due to inclusion of complex ingredients and traditional seasonings such as fish sauce and anchovy-based ingredients may pose allergen risk if not properly identified and labeled. A well formulated and verified formulation with clear labeling and preventative control measures are essential to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

At Food Research Lab, we help food manufacturers in performing allergen risk assessment, developing allergen control program, ensuring regulatory compliance, verifying ingredient, and validating product to help ensure safe and compliant product commercialization.

Conclusion

This Ocinet, Inc. Recall shows the significance of accurate labelling of ingredients and the implementation of allergen control and regulations during the manufacturing of fermented food products. No illnesses were reported; and by acting voluntarily, the company avoided an allergic reaction incident. The voluntary recall was initiated to reduce the risk of potential allergic reactions among consumers with fish allergies. In this situation, it’s good to see voluntary action by a food manufacturer to prevent an allergen incident.

Food Research Lab, we provide end-to-end food safety, allergen management and compliance solutions can help you prevent events like these. Food Research Lab helps food manufacturers create strategies for prevention of contamination and management of allergens during new product development and launch.

References

  1. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026, May 5). Ocinet, Inc. recalls “…And Kimchi” branded sliced kimchi because product contains undeclared fish (anchovies). https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/ocinet-inc-recalls-and-kimchi-branded-sliced-kimchi-because-product-contains-undeclared-fish
  2. News Desk. (2026, May 5). Kimchi recalled because of undeclared fish. Food Safety News. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2026/05/kimchi-recalled-because-of-undeclared-fish/
  3. Recall Weekly. (2026, May 4). Ocinet, Inc. recalls “…And Kimchi” branded sliced kimchi because product contains undeclared fish (anchovies). https://recallweekly.com/recalls/FDA-PR/ocinet-inc-recalls-and-kimchi-branded-sliced-kimchi-because-product-contains-undeclared-fish
  4. Rhode Island Department of Health. (n.d.). Food safety allergen awareness. https://health.ri.gov/food-safety/food-safety-allergen-awareness
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