Canned tuna recall over fatal botulism risk hits major grocery stores

Tuna recall overview: 

• Who: Tri-Union Seafoods issued a recall for select lots of Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B and Trader Joe’s-branded canned tuna products. 
• Why: The recall was initiated over concerns the recalled canned tuna products may be contaminated with clostridium botulism. 
• Where: The tuna botulism recall involves canned tuna products broadly distributed to retail stores in 26 states and Washington D.C., including Costco, Walmart, Publix, Kroger, Safeway, Harris Teeter, H-E-B, Trader Joe’s and independent retailers. 

Tri-Union Seafoods issued a recall for select lots of canned tuna products sold under Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B and Trader Joe’s brand names over concerns they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism.

Botulism is a rare but serious illness that can cause paralysis and potentially fatal respiratory failure.

The recall involves the following canned tuna products with “best if used by” dates between Dec. 12, 2027, and Jan. 27, 2028:

• Genova Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz 4 Pack
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 7.0 oz 6 Pack
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt 5.0 oz
• Van Camp’s Seafood
• Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil 5.0 oz
• Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil 5 oz 4 Pack
• Trader Joe’s
• Trader Joe’s Solid Light Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
• Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil
• Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Water
• Trader Joe’s Solid White Water Low Sodium
• Trader Joe’s Solid White Water No Salt Added
• H-E-B Solid White Tuna in Water 5.0 oz 4 Pack

The recalled canned tuna products were broadly distributed to the following retail stores:

• 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., and 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, and Texas
• Van Camp’s label – Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida and New Jersey

Consumers are warned not to use the recalled canned tuna products even if they do not look or smell spoiled and to seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell.

Tri-Union Seafoods says no illnesses reported in connection with tuna recall

Tri-Union Seafoods says no illnesses associated with the recall have been reported but that it is being conducted to “ensure consumer safety.” 

Consumers who own any of the recalled canned tuna products are asked to either throw it away or return it to the retailer for a full refund. Consumers may also contact Tri-Union Seafoods for a retrieval kit and coupon for a replacement product. 

Individuals with more questions about the tuna botulism recall can contact Tri-Union Seafoods by telephone at 833-374-0171 or through its email. 

In other tuna-related news, a group of tuna buyers reached settlements with Starkist last year that ended claims the company conspired with its parent company and a private equity firm to hike the price of canned tuna. 

Are you affected by the tuna recall? Let us know in the comments.

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