Contaminated Rice Cake Recall Issued for Instant Meal Products at TK Maxx
Dutch importer Herman Kuijper BV has initiated a recall of seven Yopokki brand instant rice cake varieties sold at TK Maxx due to potential spoilage. Customers are advised to return the affected products to store locations for a full refund or exchange.
Key takeaways
- Seven varieties of Yopokki brand instant rice cakes are being recalled due to possible spoilage.
- The affected products were sold at TK Maxx stores between January and July 2026.
- Customers can return the rice cake cups to any TK Maxx store for a full refund or exchange without needing specific batch numbers.
- Consuming the spoiled products may lead to food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
What Happened
Retailer TK Maxx has issued a recall for seven variations of instant rice cake meals, also known as Tteokbokki, after reports indicated the products might be spoiled. The recall covers products imported by the Dutch company Herman Kuijper BV and distributed through TK Maxx locations between January 2026 and July 2026. The affected items include the "Yopokki" brand rice cake cups in various flavors and sizes.
Key Facts
- Affected Brand: Yopokki Rice-Cake-Cups.
- Importer: Herman Kuijper BV.
- Sales Period: January 2026 to July 2026.
- Reason for Recall: Potential spoilage of the rice cake contents.
- Specific Products: Kimchi (115g/145g), Sweet & Spicy (140g), Cheese (120g), Carbonara (120g), Tomato (120g), and Jjajang (120g).
- Expiration Dates: Affected dates range from December 13, 2026, to January 13, 2027.
Background
Tteokbokki is a traditional Korean dish consisting of elastic rice cake sticks served in various sauces. In the instant cup format, these products are marketed as convenient snacks. Consuming spoiled food products carries the risk of food poisoning or infection, which typically manifests as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. Symptoms can appear between one and 72 hours after ingestion, depending on whether the cause is a toxin or a live pathogen.
What Happens Next
Consumers in possession of these products should cease using them immediately. TK Maxx has stated that customers can return the affected cups to any store location to receive a full refund or a replacement product. The retailer has not provided specific barcode or batch numbers, advising customers instead to verify their products against the flavor, weight, and expiration date list. Inquiries can be directed to TK Maxx customer service via telephone or email.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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