Yamaya USA Masago Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Yamaya Masago Recall Lawsuit Overview

Yamaya Masago recall lawsuits are food safety and product liability claims focusing on Capelin Roe products contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

These lawsuits allege that Yamaya USA, Inc. failed to maintain proper food safety protocols, resulting in the distribution of potentially deadly contaminated seafood products.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced this recall after routine microbiological sampling revealed Listeria monocytogenes in Masago products packed in 2lb plastic containers and labeled with ‘Yamaya USA, Inc’ and ‘Item No. 09867’ [1].

Though no illnesses had been reported at the time of the recall announcement, Listeria infections can cause serious and potentially fatal health complications, especially in vulnerable populations.

Latest Yamaya Masago Recall Lawsuit Updates

• October 20, 2011 – The U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued a press release announcing that YAMAYA USA, INC of Torrance, CA is recalling Masago (Capelin Roe) because of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. This recall was initiated as the result of routine microbiological sampling by the FDA that revealed the presence of Listeria in the products [2].
• October 2011 – Yamaya USA, Inc. ceased production and distribution of Masago products as the FDA continued its investigation to identify the source of the contamination. The company cooperated with authorities to remove affected products from retail stores in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Atlanta, and Mexico [3].

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,600 people get listeriosis each year in the United States, and about 260 die from the infection.

The mortality rate for listeriosis is approximately 20%, making it one of the most deadly foodborne pathogens.

The FDA’s food safety monitoring programs regularly test products for contamination to prevent widespread outbreaks.

Seafood products, including fish roe like Masago, are considered high-risk foods for Listeria contamination due to their processing methods and storage requirements.

Listeria outbreaks associated with seafood products have increased in recent years, with the FDA reporting multiple recalls of seafood items due to potential Listeria contamination.

The economic impact of these recalls is significant, with companies facing direct recall costs, potential legal liabilities, and damage to brand reputation.

Yamaya Masago Recall Injuries & Side Effects

Listeria infection (listeriosis) from contaminated Masago can cause a range of symptoms and complications, with the severity varying based on individual factors.

• Mild to Moderate Infections: Fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Severe Listeriosis: Invasive infection that spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract to the bloodstream (bacteremia) or central nervous system, causing meningitis or encephalitis.
• Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women may experience miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn, even if the mother only has mild symptoms.
• High-Risk Group Infections: Elderly individuals, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic conditions may experience more severe symptoms and complications, potentially resulting in death.

Related Article: Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Update (2023)

Do You Qualify for a Yamaya Masago Recall Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Yamaya Masago recall lawsuit if:

• You purchased and consumed Yamaya Masago packed in 2lb plastic containers labeled with ‘Yamaya USA, Inc’ and ‘Item No. 09867’.
• You purchased the product from retail stores in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Atlanta, or imported from Mexico.
• You developed symptoms of Listeria infection within 70 days of consuming the contaminated product.
• You sought medical treatment for your symptoms.
• You were diagnosed with listeriosis or your symptoms align with those of Listeria infection.
• You can provide evidence linking your illness to the recalled Masago products.

Evidence Required for a Yamaya Masago Recall Lawsuit

To strengthen your Yamaya Masago recall lawsuit, you should gather:

• Proof of purchase of the recalled Masago products (receipts, credit card statements, store loyalty program records).
• Product packaging showing labeling with ‘Yamaya USA, Inc’ and ‘Item No. 09867’, if available.
• Medical records documenting your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for listeriosis.
• Laboratory test results confirming Listeria infection, if available.
• Documentation of any reporting to health authorities about your illness.
• Evidence of missed work and lost wages due to your illness.
• Photographs of any remaining product or packaging.

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of contaminated Yamaya Masago products may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses for diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages due to time away from work during illness and recovery.
• Pain and suffering resulting from the physical and emotional impact of the illness.
• Additional damages for severe complications or long-term health effects.
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones to Listeria infection.
• Punitive damages if gross negligence can be proven.

Yamaya Masago Recall Information

On October 20, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that YAMAYA USA, INC of Torrance, CA was recalling Masago (Capelin Roe) due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall was initiated after routine FDA microbiological sampling revealed the presence of the dangerous bacteria in the products.

The specific products recalled were Masago packed in 2lb plastic containers identifiable by labeling that says ‘Yamaya USA, Inc’ and ‘Item No. 09867’.

These products were distributed to retail stores in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Atlanta, and Mexico.

Following the discovery of contamination, Yamaya ceased production and distribution of the affected products as the FDA continued its investigation to identify the source of the outbreak.

Consumers who purchased the recalled products were advised not to consume them—even if they appeared normal—and to discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Statute of Limitations for Yamaya Masago Recall Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Yamaya Masago recall lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of illness. Food poisoning cases often follow personal injury statute of limitations in most states.

Some key state-specific timeframes include:

• California: 2 years from the date of injury or discovery
• Maryland: 3 years from the date of injury or discovery
• Georgia: 2 years from the date of injury or discovery

Many states apply a “discovery rule,” which means the statute of limitations begins when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered that your illness was caused by the contaminated product.

This is particularly relevant in Listeria cases, as symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.

It’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after developing symptoms to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe for your state.

Related queso fresco cheese recalls claims:

• Azteca Linda Queso Fresco Cheese Listeria Lawsuit
• El Abuelito Queso Fresco Recall Listeria Litigation
• El Ranchero Del Sur Queso Listeria Lawsuit

FAQs

Get a Free Yamaya USA Masago Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for illnesses caused by contaminated Yamaya Masago products.

Depending on your state of residence, you may have as little as 1-2 years from the date of your illness to file a claim, and the specific timeframe can be affected by the “discovery rule” regarding when you connected your illness to the contaminated product.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
• Payment only if we win your case or secure a settlement

Don’t delay in seeking legal assistance, as waiting too long could jeopardize your right to compensation for illness and damages caused by contaminated Masago products.

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm276898.htm
2. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/10/roe-recalled-due-to-listeria/
3. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/index.html