PATERSON, N.J. – Gusto Group Inc. has issued a recall of its Klong Kone brand shrimp paste after federal testing found elevated levels of lead in the product, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday.
The recalled shrimp paste, imported from Thailand and distributed by Gusto Group Inc. of Paterson, was sold in two sizes — 454 grams (1 pound) and 910 grams (2 pounds) — packaged in white plastic jars with red caps. The product was distributed to two retail locations between April and December 2023: Golden Land market in Des Moines, Iowa, and Terri Lee Oriental Groceries in Maywood, New Jersey. There were no online sales reported.
According to the company, the recall was prompted by one illness report involving four children who developed diarrhea and elevated blood lead levels after consuming the product. FDA testing later confirmed the presence of high lead content in product samples collected from store shelves.
Lead exposure poses significant health risks, particularly for children. Prolonged exposure can cause permanent neurological and developmental damage, while adults may experience kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure, and cognitive impairments.
The affected products are identified as:
- Klong Kone Shrimp Paste, 454 g (1 lb), UPC 8853142000313, Product Code DPA159
- Klong Kone Shrimp Paste, 910 g (2 lbs), UPC 8853142000320, Product Code DPA161
Consumers are urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Gusto Group has halted distribution and is investigating the cause of the contamination.
Customers seeking additional information can contact Gusto Group Inc. at (862) 264-6774 or by email at ings@gustofood.com, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Gusto Group recalled Klong Kone shrimp paste sold in Iowa and New Jersey after FDA tests detected dangerous lead levels linked to four child illnesses.