Additional Coverage:
- Canned tuna recalled for ‘potentially fatal’ botulism risk was mistakenly reshipped to 9 states (nbcnews.com)
Tuna Recall Spreads to Nine States: Botulism Risk Prompts Urgent Warning
Federal officials are sounding the alarm for shoppers in nine states to avoid specific cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna after a distribution error led to the release of potentially contaminated products. These cans, originally part of a broader recall due to defective “easy open” pull tabs, were mistakenly shipped this week to several major grocery store chains.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated on Monday that Tri-Union Seafoods had initiated a recall last February after discovering that certain pull-tab lids could compromise the can’s seal. This defect poses a risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause a severe and potentially fatal form of food poisoning.
The FDA has confirmed that, for reasons yet to be fully explained, these quarantined tuna cans were “inadvertently shipped by a third-party distributor.” Consumers are strongly advised not to consume the product, even if it appears and smells normal, and to seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell after potential exposure.
The affected grocery store chains that received these shipments include:
- Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
- Giant Foods stores in Maryland and Virginia.
- Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores in California.
Consumers should immediately dispose of or return for a refund the following products:
- Four-packs of 5-ounce cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
UPC: 4800073265
* Code Numbers: S84N D2L (Best Used By: Jan. 21, 2028)
* Code Numbers: S84N D3L (Best Used By: Jan. 24, 2028)
- Five-ounce cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt
UPC: 4800013275S88N
* Code Numbers: D1M1/17/2028 (Best Used By: Jan. 17, 2028)
For any questions regarding the recalled tuna, consumers can contact Tri-Union Seafoods at (833) 374-0171, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. The company can also be reached via email at [email protected].