Tuna Recalled in 9 States Over Botulism Risk: FDA

The items were sold via Meijer, Giant Foods, Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions outlets.

An image of the recalled Genova Yellowfin Tuna from California-based Tri-Union Seafoods. Courtesy of the Food and Drug Administration

California-based Tri-Union Seafoods is recalling certain tuna products that were previously quarantined but got inadvertently released into the market, the company said in a Jan. 16 announcement published by the Food and Drug Administration.

In February 2025, Tri-Union recalled several lots of canned tuna products sold under various brand names.

“The initial voluntary recall was conducted following notification from our supplier that the ‘easy open’ pull tab can lid on limited products had a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time), causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning,” the announcement reads.

The latest warning, the company said, “was initiated after Tri-Union Seafoods discovered that quarantined cases, associated with the initial recall, were inadvertently shipped by a third-party distributor.”

Two products are being recalled in the latest update. The first is Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, 5.0 oz, 4-pack, with UPC 4800073265, and best-by dates of Jan. 21 and 24, 2028. The second item is Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt, 5.0 oz, with UPC 4800013275, and a best-by date of Jan. 17, 2028.

According to the company, the items were sold to retail stores in nine states.

In Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, the products were sold via Meijer outlets. In Maryland and Virginia, it was sold at Giant Foods, while in California, it was sold at Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores.

“Consumers should not use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention,” the company warned.

“If you have a recalled tuna can, please return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, throw it away, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product.”

The Epoch Times reached out to Tri-Union Seafoods for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.

The toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum can attack the body’s nerves, resulting in a “rare but serious illness” called botulism, according to an April 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“These bacteria make spores, which act like protective coatings. Spores help the bacteria survive in the environment, even in extreme conditions,” the agency said.

“The spores usually do not cause people to become sick, even when they’re eaten. But under certain conditions, these spores can grow and make one of the most lethal toxins known.”

The CDC warned that the toxin causing botulism cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. However, even a small taste of contaminated food can be deadly.

Common symptoms of botulism include muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and double vision, the agency said.

Foodborne botulism can induce vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea. Infants may show symptoms such as poor feeding, constipation, pupils that react slowly to light, and faces that show less expression than usual.

“Botulism can weaken the muscles involved in breathing, which can lead to difficulty breathing and even death,” the CDC said.

“Botulism is a medical emergency. If you or your child has signs and symptoms of botulism, immediately see your doctor or go to the emergency room. Do not wait.”

Multiple food recalls have been made over the past few months due to botulinum contamination.

In November, New Jersey-based MAMTAKIM Inc. announced the withdrawal of dried, whole smelts from the market. The recall was initiated after an FDA inspection determined that the fish had not been properly eviscerated, which can allow bacteria to grow.

The same month, the FDA published a recall announcement from Connecticut-based First and Last Bakery LLC regarding the withdrawal of tomato sauce products due to a botulinum hazard.