Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a recall for specific lots of canned tuna across various states including California, due to concerns over a manufacturing defect that could lead to botulism, a severe form of food poisoning. As per the company's voluntary recall notice, which was posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, certain products sold under Genova, Van Camp's, H-E-B, and Trader Joe's brand names have been affected by an "easy open" pull tab can lid defect that could compromise the product seal. The defect may result in the cans leaking or, in a worst-case scenario, being contaminated with clostridium botulinum.
Americans who have stocked their pantries with these brands should be vigilant; if you've recently purchased canned tuna from Trader Joe's, Walmart, or Costco you might want to check your shelves. The affected products were distributed broadly, including Genova-brand cans at Safeway, Walmart, and other retailers in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas, also the issue extended to Van Camp's label products at Walmart and independent retailers in select states such as Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey, and under the Trader Joe's label in multiple states, as noted in announcements by ABC7 News, NBC News, and expressed in the detailed recall notification from the FDA.
No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products but consumers are instructed not to consume the tuna, even if it does not appear or smell spoiled, and seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit any signs of illness. Botulism is described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a toxin-causing illness that can lead to difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and death thus, consumers should not take any risks when it comes to these products; according to the agency per ABC7 News, "botulism is a medical emergency," emphasizing the severity of the condition. The list of specific can codes and "Best if Used By" dates impacted in the recall are detailed in the provided notices.
For refunds or more information, consumers in possession of the affected canned tuna are encouraged to return the products to their place of purchase, dispose of them, or get in touch with Tri-Union Seafoods directly to request a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product, both CBS News and the company’s recall notice outline consumer support offerings by the Tri-Union Seafoods, including an email at [email protected] and a phone line (833) 374-0171, operational Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, for customers who have questions or concerns about the recall.
