A canned tuna recall has been reissued after products previously pulled from shelves over botulism concerns were mistakenly shipped to retailers in nine US states, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. The current tuna recall involves select canned tuna products from Tri-Union Seafoods that were first voluntarily recalled in February 2025 due to a manufacturing defect that could compromise the seal of the cans. The defect raises the risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness.
According to the FDA, a third-party distributor ‘inadvertently shipped’ quarantined cases of the recalled canned tuna to a limited number of retail locations. The agency issued a new safety alert on Monday, January 19, urging consumers to check their purchases.
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The recalled canned tuna items include:
The affected products were shipped to the following retailers in nine states:
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a powerful toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. It can lead to difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death if not treated quickly.
The FDA stressed that consumers should not use the recalled canned tuna, even if it looks or smells normal. The toxin is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, and in rare cases Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii. These bacteria are naturally found in the environment and form spores that can survive harsh conditions.
While the spores are usually harmless, they can produce toxins under certain conditions, including low oxygen, low acid, low salt or sugar levels, specific temperatures, and moisture. Improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods can create these conditions, increasing the risk of foodborne botulism.
Customers who purchased the recalled canned tuna can:
According to the FDA, a third-party distributor ‘inadvertently shipped’ quarantined cases of the recalled canned tuna to a limited number of retail locations. The agency issued a new safety alert on Monday, January 19, urging consumers to check their purchases.
Also Read: Cheese recalled in 2025 across 20 states escalated to highest FDA risk over listeria
Canned tuna recall products
The recalled canned tuna items include:
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, 5.0 oz, 4-pack
- Can code S84N D2L, best if used by January 21, 2028
- Can code S84N D3L, best if used by January 24, 2028
- Can code S84N D2L, best if used by January 21, 2028
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt, 5.0 oz
- Can code S88N D1M, best if used by January 17, 2028
- Can code S88N D1M, best if used by January 17, 2028
Retailers impacted by canned tuna recall
The affected products were shipped to the following retailers in nine states:
- Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin
- Giant Foods in Maryland and Virginia
- Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions locations in California
About botulism and health risk linked to the tuna recall
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a powerful toxin that attacks the body’s nerves. It can lead to difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death if not treated quickly.
The FDA stressed that consumers should not use the recalled canned tuna, even if it looks or smells normal. The toxin is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, and in rare cases Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii. These bacteria are naturally found in the environment and form spores that can survive harsh conditions.
While the spores are usually harmless, they can produce toxins under certain conditions, including low oxygen, low acid, low salt or sugar levels, specific temperatures, and moisture. Improperly canned, preserved, or fermented foods can create these conditions, increasing the risk of foodborne botulism.
How to get a refund for canned tuna recall
Customers who purchased the recalled canned tuna can:
- Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund,
- Safely discard the product, or
- Contact Tri-Union Seafoods to request a retrieval kit, coupon, or replacement product.
