Federal regulators warn consumers to avoid specific canned tuna products after a packaging defect raised the risk of botulism.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
California-based Tri-Union Seafoods has expanded a recall of certain canned tuna products after discovering that items previously placed under quarantine were inadvertently shipped to retailers, prompting a renewed warning from federal regulators about the risk of botulism.
In a Jan. 16 notice published by the Food and Drug Administration, Tri-Union Seafoods said the affected products were mistakenly released into the marketplace by a third-party distributor, despite being tied to an earlier recall announced in February 2025, as outlined in the FDA’s recall announcement.
The original voluntary recall involved multiple lots of canned tuna sold under various brand names after Tri-Union was alerted by its supplier to a defect in certain “easy open” pull-tab lids, according to the company’s earlier recall notice.
“The initial voluntary recall was conducted following notification from our supplier that the ‘easy open’ pull tab can lid on limited products had a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal,” the company said, adding that the defect could cause leaking or contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that produces a potentially fatal toxin.
The latest recall applies to two specific products. One is Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, 5.0-ounce four-packs, with UPC 4800073265 and best-by dates of Jan. 21 and Jan. 24, 2028. The second is Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt, 5.0 ounces, with UPC 4800013275 and a best-by date of Jan. 17, 2028.
Tri-Union Seafoods said the products were distributed to retailers in nine states. In Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, the tuna was sold through Meijer stores. In Maryland and Virginia, it was sold at Giant Foods. In California, the products were available at Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions locations.
“Consumers should not use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” the company warned. “Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention.” Customers were advised to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund, discard it, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement item.
The Epoch Times said it contacted Tri-Union Seafoods for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in an April 2024 report. The agency says the bacteria form spores that can survive in harsh environments and, under certain conditions, produce one of the most lethal toxins known.
The CDC warns that the toxin cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, and that even a small amount of contaminated food can be deadly, as noted in its guidance on preventing botulism from home-canned foods.
Symptoms of botulism can include muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and double vision, according to the agency’s symptoms overview. Foodborne botulism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. In infants, symptoms can include poor feeding, constipation, slow-reacting pupils, and reduced facial expression.
“Botulism can weaken the muscles involved in breathing, which can lead to difficulty breathing and even death,” the CDC said, emphasizing that botulism is a medical emergency requiring immediate care.
The tuna recall follows other food safety actions tied to botulinum risks in recent months. In November, New Jersey-based MAMTAKIM Inc. announced the recall of dried whole smelts after an FDA inspection found the fish had not been properly eviscerated, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. That same month, the FDA issued a recall notice for tomato sauce products made by Connecticut-based First and Last Bakery LLC due to a potential botulinum hazard.
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