The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a renewed recall of canned tuna after previously recalled Genova Yellowfin Tuna products — originally pulled from shelves in February 2025 due to a botulism risk from defective pull-tab lids — were accidentally shipped to retail locations in nine states by a third-party distributor. The products, still at risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum (the bacteria that causes botulism), should not be eaten, even if they appear normal; instead, consumers are urged to return or discard them or contact Tri-Union Seafoods for a refund and replacement.
What Products Are Recalled and Why
The current recall involves Genova Yellowfin Tuna in both Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt formats. These cans were part of a quarantine associated with an earlier recall after Tri-Union Seafoods’ supplier discovered a manufacturing defect in the easy-open pull tab lid, which can compromise the seal and allow Clostridium botulinum contamination.
Specific Products Affected
According to the FDA recall notice, the impacted items include:
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil — 5.0 oz 4-pack (UPC: 4800073265; Can Codes S84N D2L & S84N D3L; Best-If-Used-By: Jan 21 and Jan 24 2028)
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt — 5.0 oz (UPC: 4800013275; Can Code S88N D1M; Best-If-Used-By: Jan 17 2028)
The FDA specifically cautions that even intact-looking cans can be unsafe because botulism bacteria and its toxin may not cause obvious spoilage signs such as odor or bulging.
Where the Recalled Tuna Was Mistakenly Sold
The FDA detailed that quarantined tuna cans — originally removed from distribution — were inadvertently shipped by a third-party distributor to stores in nine U.S. states. Retailers included:
- Meijer — Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin
- Giant Foods — Maryland, Virginia
- Safeway, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions — California
Customers in these regions should immediately check pantries for affected canned tuna.
What Botulism Is and Why This Matters
Clostridium botulinum produces a potent neurotoxin capable of causing botulism, a rare but potentially fatal form of foodborne illness. The toxin attacks the nervous system and can result in paralysis, difficulty breathing, and death if not treated promptly. According to health experts:
- Symptoms may include double or blurred vision, slurred speech, trouble swallowing or breathing, muscle weakness, dizziness, and digestive symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.
Because symptoms can emerge within hours to days after ingestion, it’s critical that anyone who believes they have consumed the recalled tuna and feels unwell seek immediate medical care.
What to Do if You Have the Recalled Tuna
The FDA and Tri-Union Seafoods recommend the following actions:
Do Not Eat the Canned Tuna.
Even if the can looks normal (no bulging lid, no odd smell), the seal defect may still allow bacterial growth.
Discard or Return for a Refund.
Consumers should either throw away the affected cans or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Contact Tri-Union Seafoods.
The company offers a retrieval kit and replacement coupon. Contact details:
- Phone: 833-374-0171
- Email: support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com
Available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST.
How This Happened — Mistaken Distribution
Earlier recalls — like the one in February 2025 — removed the affected tuna from distribution after identifying the defective pull tab can lids. However, during the re-distribution process, some cases that had been quarantined were inadvertently shipped out again by a third-party distributor, prompting this renewed recall.
This type of distribution error highlights how traceability and supply chain controls are crucial in food safety, especially with products tied to serious health risks like botulism.
Official Guidance and Public Safety Alerts
The FDA’s safety alert emphasizes that no illnesses associated with this recall have yet been confirmed, but the threat is taken seriously due to the severity of botulism if it occurs. Consumers and retailers alike are advised to act quickly and follow recall instructions closely.
Local health departments in impacted states have also issued warnings, urging residents to check their pantries and dispose of or return any affected products immediately.
Conclusion — Don’t Take Chances with Canned Tuna
This recall serves as an important reminder that food packaging defects — even in products that seem safe — can pose severe health hazards. The FDA and Tri-Union Seafoods are urging vigilance: check the specific UPC codes, can codes, and best-by dates listed by the agency, and discard or return any recalled tuna cans. If you feel ill after consuming canned tuna that may be part of this recall, seek medical attention without delay.
Food safety agencies provide recall lists and product photos on their websites. You can also sign up for FDA text or email alerts for the latest updates on food recalls.
