Shoppers who recently purchased canned tuna from major retailers like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Walmart may need to check their pantries.
A significant recall has been issued due to a dangerous food contamination risk that could lead to botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.
Brands and Stores Affected
The recall involves multiple brands, including Trader Joe’s, H-E-B, Genova, and Van Camp’s canned tuna.
The issue stems from a manufacturing defect in the pull-tab lids, which could cause the cans to leak or become contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
This bacteria can produce harmful neurotoxins leading to severe illness.
The affected products were distributed across 25 states and sold at major grocery chains such as Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and Harris Teeter.
Manufacturer Issues Recall Warning
Tri-Union Seafoods, the company behind the recalled tuna, announced the voluntary recall on February 7 after being alerted to the defect by its supplier.
The company is urging consumers to either return the recalled items for a full refund, safely discard them, or request a retrieval kit along with a product coupon.
The Dangers of Botulism
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which thrives in low-oxygen environments such as canned foods.
When ingested, its toxins can cause symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to more severe neurological effects like double vision, difficulty breathing, and even paralysis.
Symptoms can appear anywhere from 12 hours to eight days after consumption, making it a hidden danger in contaminated food.
While no illnesses have been reported yet, experts are urging consumers to take the recall seriously.
A Year of Food Recalls
This recall is just one of several major food safety alerts issued this year.
The FDA previously recalled various donuts and pastries over concerns about Listeria contamination, while Walmart had to pull Marketside Broccoli Florets off the shelves due to a similar health risk.
Other recalled products included Monkey Spit LLC BBQ sauce and Wicklow Gold Cheddar Cheese.
List of Recalled Tuna Products
- Genova Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil (5-ounce can)
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (5-ounce can, 4-pack, 6-pack)
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt (5-ounce can)
- Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil (5-ounce can, 4-pack)
- Trader Joe’s Solid Light Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
- Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil, Water, Low Sodium, and No Salt Added
- H-E-B Solid White Tuna in Water (4-pack 5-ounce cans)
Where Were the Recalled Products Sold?
- H-E-B label: Texas
- Trader Joe’s label: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., Wisconsin
- Genova 7 oz.: Costco in Florida and Georgia
- Genova 5 oz.: Harris Teeter, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent retailers in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas
- Van Camp’s label: Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey
What Should You Do Next?
If you have purchased any of the recalled tuna products, do not consume them.
You can return them to the store for a full refund or safely dispose of them.
Tri-Union Seafoods is also offering a retrieval kit and product coupon for affected customers.
With food recalls becoming increasingly common, staying informed and checking product labels is more important than ever.
If you’re unsure about a product, visit the FDA’s website for the latest updates on recalls and food safety warnings.