Recalled Tuna Mysteriously Hits Shelves

At a Glance

• Tri-Union Seafoods revealed that canned tuna recalled in February 2025 was accidentally shipped to retailers on January 16, 2026
• The affected products include 4-packs of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil and single cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt
• Distribution reached Meijer, Giant Foods, Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores across nine states
• Why it matters: Consumers could still purchase potentially contaminated products, risking severe food poisoning

Just when shoppers thought the February 2025 tuna recall was old news, Tri-Union Seafoods announced that the very products pulled from shelves almost a year ago have quietly returned to store inventory in nine states.

The Accidental Shipment

On January 16, 2026, the company discovered that a third-party distributor released “quarantined product” to retailers, bypassing recall protocols that had kept the cans off shelves since early 2025.

The mix-up involves two specific Genova offerings:

• 4-packs of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
• Single cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt

Both lines were originally recalled after the supplier flagged a pull-tab manufacturing defect that could compromise the can’s seal over time.

Where the Cans Landed

According to News Of Los Angeles‘s report, the shipment reached a chain of well-known grocers:

• Meijer locations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin
• Giant Foods stores in Maryland and Virginia
• Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions throughout California

Consumers shopping in these states during mid-January 2026 may have unknowingly taken home the recalled tuna.

Why the Seal Matters

A weakened seal is not just a quality issue; it is a public-health hazard. The FDA’s January 19 recall notice warns that the defect could allow Clostridium botulinum bacteria to contaminate the fish, causing a “potentially fatal form of food poisoning.”

Botulism symptoms include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• Blurred vision
• Progressive paralysis

Because the toxin does not change taste, smell, or appearance, consumers cannot rely on sensory cues to judge safety.

Identifying the Affected Cans

Shoppers who recently purchased Genova tuna should check labels against these exact codes:

Any match warrants immediate action, even if the can appears intact.

What to Do if You Have the Product

Tri-Union Seafoods and the FDA advise:

• Stop consumption immediately
• Double-bag and discard the cans in a sealed trash container
• Return to the place of purchase for a full refund, or contact the retailer for disposal guidance
• Monitor for symptoms if you suspect you ate the product; seek medical care at the first sign of illness

Retailers have been notified to pull remaining inventory, but extra caution at home is essential.

Scope of the Original 2025 Recall

While the new notice zeroes in on Genova, the February 2025 action was broader, also sweeping up canned tuna sold under:

• Van Camp’s
• Trader Joe’s store label
• H-E-B in-house brand

Those products were successfully removed at the time and are not part of the accidental re-distribution.

Company Response

Tri-Union Seafoods stated it is working with the distributor to tighten controls and prevent future releases of quarantined goods. The firm reiterated that no illnesses linked to the January shipment have been reported so far.

Key Takeaways

• Check your pantry for Genova Yellowfin tuna with the listed UPC and can codes
• Nine states-Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia, and California-received the recalled product
• Do not eat, donate, or attempt to cook the affected cans; discard or return them for a refund
• Watch for botulism symptoms and consult a healthcare provider promptly if exposure is suspected