Federal regulators have issued an urgent warning after cans of potentially contaminated Genova Yellowfin Tuna were mistakenly shipped to grocery stores across nine states this week.
At a Glance
- Recalled tuna cans with defective pull-tab lids may contain clostridium botulinum
- Products shipped to Meijer, Giant Foods, Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores
- Consumers should discard or return affected products immediately
- Why it matters: Botulism can be fatal; even non-spoiled-looking food poses risk
The Food and Drug Administration said the suspect cans were part of a larger recall initiated last February when Tri-Union Seafoods discovered defects in the “easy open” pull-tab lids. The defect could cause leaks or contamination with clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.
According to the FDA, a third-party distributor recently “inadvertently shipped” the quarantined tuna. The agency emphasized that consumers should not consume the product under any circumstances.
“Consumers should not use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” the FDA warned. “Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention.”
Affected Retailers and States
The recalled products reached multiple grocery chains:
Meijer stores in:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Wisconsin
Giant Foods stores in:
- Maryland
- Virginia
West Coast chains in California:
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Vons
- Pavilions
Product Identification Details
Consumers should check for these specific products:
Four-packs of 5-ounce Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
- UPC: 4800073265
- Code numbers: S84N D2L or S84N D3L
- Best by dates: January 21, 2028 or January 24, 2028
Individual 5-ounce cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt
- UPC: 4800013275S88N
- Code numbers: D1M1/17/2028
- Best by date: January 17, 2028
Consumer Actions Required
The FDA advises immediate action for anyone who purchased these products:
- Do not consume the tuna under any circumstances
- Discard the product immediately if already purchased
- Return unopened cans to the place of purchase for a full refund
- Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms after consumption
Company Contact Information
Tri-Union Seafoods has established dedicated channels for consumer inquiries:
- Phone: (833) 374-0171
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
- Email: [email protected]
The company emphasizes that no other Genova products are affected by this recall. The specific batch codes and UPC numbers are crucial for identification, as other products with similar packaging remain safe for consumption.
This incident highlights the critical importance of proper recall protocols in the food industry. The defective lids pose not just a quality issue but a serious public health threat due to the risk of botulism contamination.
Key Takeaways:
- Check your pantry immediately for the specified UPC codes and best-by dates
- When in doubt, discard the product rather than risk consumption
- Contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly with any questions or concerns
- Monitor for symptoms of botulism if you may have consumed affected products
