FDA Issues Urgent Recall for Popular Tuna Brands Over Deadly Botulism Concerns – Michigan Stores Affected

Consumers urged to check their pantry as Tri-Union Seafoods recalls canned tuna brands, including Genova®, Van Camp’s®, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s®.

Tuna Recall: Major Brands Pulled from Shelves Over Safety Fears

A nationwide recall has been issued by Tri-Union Seafoods for select Genova®, Van Camp’s®, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s® canned tuna due to a risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination. The recall, announced by the FDA on February 10, 2025, comes after a manufacturing defect in “easy open” pull tab lids was discovered, potentially compromising product safety.

Consumers Warned of Botulism Threat in Recalled Tuna

Clostridium botulinum is a potentially fatal bacterium that can cause botulism poisoning, leading to paralysis, difficulty breathing, and even death. While no illnesses have been reported, the recall is being conducted out of an abundance of caution to protect consumer safety. Consumers should not consume the affected products, even if they appear normal.

Where Were the Contaminated Products Sold?

The impacted canned tuna products were distributed across multiple states at major retailers, including:

• H-E-B Label – Texas
• Trader Joe’s Label – Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin
• Genova 7 oz. – Costco in Florida and Georgia
• Genova 5 oz. – Harris Teeter, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent retailers in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas
• Van Camp’s Label – Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey

Consumers Advised to Dispose of Recalled Tuna Immediately

Consumers in possession of the affected products should do the following:

• Check the can code and best-by date on the bottom of the can.
• Dispose of any affected cans immediately or return them to the retailer for a full refund.
• Contact Tri-Union Seafoods at 833-374-0171 or support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product.

Recalled Products and Identifying Information

Consumers should check for the following specific lots:

• Genova Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil 5 oz. (UPC: 4800000215)
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5 oz. (UPC: 4800013265)
• Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil 5 oz. (UPC: 4800025015)
• Trader Joe’s Solid Light Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (UPC: 51403)
• Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Water (UPC: 99285)
• H-E-B Solid White Tuna in Water 5 oz. (UPC: 4122043345)

A full list of recalled UPCs, lot codes, and expiration dates is available on the FDA website.

Tri-Union Seafoods Responds to Recall

Tri-Union Seafoods emphasized that this recall does not affect any of its other products, stating: “We are committed to the highest safety and quality standards and are conducting this recall out of an abundance of caution.” Consumers with questions are encouraged to contact the company for more information.

What Is Botulism and How Dangerous Is It?

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Symptoms can appear within hours to days and include:

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Facial weakness
• Paralysis
• Difficulty breathing

If left untreated, botulism can be fatal. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

FDA Advises Extreme Caution

The FDA urges all consumers to double-check their tuna cans and dispose of any recalled products safely. The agency continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.

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