Canned Tuna Recalled At Costco, Trader Joe's Over Botulism Risk

Several canned tuna products made by Tri-Union Seafoods have been voluntarily recalled after it was discovered that a manufacturing defect could lead to botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. The products were sold at Costco and other major retailers under popular brand names like Genova and more.

The company issued the voluntary recall on Feb. 7 out of “an abundance of caution,” according to a post on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

A Tri-Union Seafoods supplier notified the company that due to a manufacturing defect on the easy-open pull tab can lid, the integrity of the product seal could become compromised, the company said.

The product could then leak or become contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that can cause botulism, which can be life-threatening.

No illnesses have been reported associated with the recalled products, the company said.

Tri-Union Seafoods warned consumers not to use affected products even if they do not look or smell spoiled, and that if consumers are feeling unwell, they should seek immediate medical treatment.

“This recall does not impact any other Tri-Union Seafoods products, as no other product packaging was impacted by this potential defect,” the company said. “Tri-Union Seafoods is committed to upholding the highest safety and quality standards.”

What canned tuna products were recalled?

The impacted Tri-Union Seafoods products were sold under the following labels in retail stores across more than two dozen states and Washington, D.C., according to the FDA:

• Genova
• H-E-B
• Trader Joe’s
• Van Camp’s

Only certain can codes, UPC numbers and best-if-used-by dates were affected. They are available on the FDA site.

Customers with a recalled can can return it to the retailer for a full refund, throw it away or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product.

Genova

Genova 5-ounce cans involved in the recall were sold at: 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.

Genova 7-ounce cans were sold at Costco stores in Florida and Georgia.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's tuna cans were sold at stores in 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.

Van Camp's

Under the Van Camp’s label, impacted products were sold in Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida and New Jersey.

H-E-B

Under the H-E-B label, impacted products were sold in Texas.

What is botulism?

Botulism is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms of botulism can include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• Double vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Blurry vision
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty breathing and moving the eyes

Foodborne botulism can also cause vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea, according to the CDC.