Massive Canned Tuna Recall Due to Botulism Risk

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall on several canned tuna products due to a potential health risk from botulism contamination. The recall, announced on February 10, 2025, affects products sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brand labels across 25 states after the company was alerted to a manufacturing defect in the pull-tab lids. The defect may compromise the seal of the cans, potentially leading to the growth of Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria associated with a severe form of food poisoning.

The FDA reported that no illnesses have been associated with the recalled products to date. However, the agency has urged consumers to refrain from using any affected tuna, regardless of its appearance or smell. Botulism is a serious illness that can lead to respiratory failure and may be fatal. Symptoms can manifest between 12 to 36 hours after ingestion, but prolonged effects can appear as late as eight days afterward, complicating diagnosis.

The recalled tuna products include several varieties from Genova and Van Camp’s brands, as well as multiple options from Trader Joe’s. Here are some examples of the impacted products:

• Genova Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil (5-ounce can) (UPC: 4800000215)
• Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil (5-ounce can) (UPC: 4800025015)
• Trader Joe's Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil (UPC: 99287)
• H-E-B Solid White Tuna in Water (4-pack 5-ounce cans) (UPC: 4122043345)

These products were sold at various retailers, including Costco, Kroger, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Safeway in multiple states across the country. Consumers should check their pantries for the indicated products and should dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Tri-Union Seafoods is advising consumers who have purchased these items to either dispose of the cans or return them to the retailer. Additionally, those wishing to obtain a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product should reach out to the company directly.

For further inquiries regarding this recall, consumers can contact Tri-Union Seafoods via email at [email protected] or by calling 833-374-0171. Customer service hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.

The FDA continues to monitor the situation to ensure consumer safety and will provide updates as needed. For more information on the risks associated with botulism, health officials recommend visiting the FDA website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.