Just when you thought canned tuna was the safest bet in your pantry, a curveball hits.
Select canned tuna products sold at major retailers across various states have been recalled due to a packaging defect that could lead to Clostridium botulinum contamination.
Here is everything you need to know.
What Is the Recall About?
Tri-Union Seafoods issued a voluntary recall on February 7 for canned tuna sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brands. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the tuna cans have a manufacturing defect in the “easy open” pull-tab lids that could compromise the seal and lead to contamination with Clostridium botulinum — a potentially fatal bacterium you definitely don’t want on your dinner plate.
Which States Are Affected?
The recalled tuna products were distributed across multiple states through various retailers:
- 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 locations in Florida and Georgia.
- Genova 5 oz. – Distributed through 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 – Sold at Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey.
Which Types of Canned Tuna Are Affected?
Genova
Genova Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil (5.0 oz)
UPC: 4800000215
Can Codes: S94N 42K, S94N 43K, S94N 44K, S94N D1L
Best if Used By Dates: 12/12/2027, 1/24/2028
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (5.0 oz)
UPC: 4800013265
Can Codes: S84N D1N, S84N D2M
Best if Used By Dates: 1/13/2028, 1/17/2028
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (5.0 oz 4-Pack)
UPC: 4800073265
Can Codes: S84N 41M, S84N 42M, S84N 42N, S84N 43N, S84N D1L, S84N D1L, S84N D3L
Best if Used By Dates: 12/13/2027, 1/21/2028, 1/23/2028, 1/24/2028
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (7.0 oz 6-Pack)
UPC: 4800063267
Can Codes: S84N D1D, S84N D1D, S84N D3D, S84N D1D, S84N D2D
Best if Used By Dates: 1/21/2028, 1/23/2028, 1/27/2028
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt (5.0 oz)
UPC: 4800013275
Can Codes: S88N D1M
Best if Used By Date: 1/17/2028
Van Camp’s Seafood
Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil (5.0 oz)
UPC: 4800025015
Can Code: S83N 45K
Best if Used By Date: 12/2/2027
Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil (5.0 oz 4-Pack)
UPC: 4800075015
Can Code: S83N 45K
Best if Used By Date: 12/2/2027
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s Solid Light Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
UPC: 51403
Can Code: S74N D2M
Best if Used By Date: 1/10/2028
Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil
UPC: 99287
Can Codes: S94N D3N, S94N D4N
Best if Used By Dates: 1/13/2028
Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Water
UPC: 99285
Can Codes: S92N D1L, S92N D2L
Best if Used By Dates: 1/9/2028
Trader Joe’s Solid White Water Low Sodium
UPC: 95836
Can Codes: S91N 41K, S91N 43M, S91N 44M
Best if Used By Dates: 12/12/2027, 12/13/2027
Trader Joe’s Solid White Water No Salt Added
UPC: 99284
Can Codes: S90N D2N, S90N D1M, S90N D2N
Best if Used By Dates: 1/8/2028, 1/9/2028
H-E-B
H-E-B Solid White Tuna in Water (5.0 oz 4-Pack)
UPC: 4122043345
Can Codes: S9FA 45K, S9FA 46K
Best if Used By Date: 12/12/2027
If you have purchased any of these products, don’t consume them and return them to the respective store for a full refund.
Why Is This Dangerous?
Botulism is a rare but dangerous condition caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. Symptoms include muscle weakness, blurred vision, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, it can cause paralysis or death. The bacteria don’t change the smell or appearance of food, so a can might look fine but still be unsafe.
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