Canned Tuna Recall 2025: What You Need to Know About the Botulism Risk -

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide recall for several brands of canned tuna due to a potential botulism risk. The recall, initiated by Tri-Union Seafoods, affects products sold under popular brand names like Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s. These products were distributed to major retailers, including Costco, Walmart, Kroger, and Publix, across 28 states. The recall was prompted by a manufacturing defect in the “easy open” pull-tab lids, which could compromise the seal and lead to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that causes botulism—a rare but potentially fatal form of food poisoning .

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the recall, including affected products, health risks, and steps consumers should take to ensure their safety.

What Sparked the Recall?

The recall was announced on February 7, 2025, after Tri-Union Seafoods was alerted by a supplier about a defect in the pull-tab lids of certain canned tuna products. The defect could cause the cans to leak or allow bacteria to grow over time, even if the cans appear intact. The company emphasized that the recall was issued “out of an abundance of caution” to prevent any potential health risks .

Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This toxin attacks the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death if left untreated. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products, the FDA and Tri-Union Seafoods are urging consumers to take immediate action if they have purchased any affected items .

Affected Products and Retailers

The recall impacts a wide range of canned tuna products sold under multiple brand names and distributed across the United States. Below is a breakdown of the affected products and where they were sold:

Brands and Retailers

H-E-B Label: Sold in Texas .
Trader Joe’s Label: Distributed 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 .
Genova 7 oz.: Available at Costco stores in Florida and Georgia .
Genova 5 oz.: 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 .
Van Camp’s Label: Distributed at Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey .

Identifying Recalled Products

Consumers can identify the recalled products by checking the can codes and “Best if Used By” dates printed on the bottom of the cans. Specific UPC numbers and codes are listed in the FDA’s recall notice .

Health Risks of Botulism

Botulism is a serious illness that can lead to life-threatening complications. Symptoms typically appear within 18 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food and may include:

Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Blurred or double vision
Slurred speech
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain .

If left untreated, botulism can cause respiratory failure and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that botulism is a medical emergency, and anyone experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention .

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have purchased any of the recalled canned tuna products, follow these steps to ensure your safety:

Stop Consumption Immediately: Do not eat the recalled tuna, even if it looks and smells normal. The bacteria that cause botulism do not always produce visible signs of spoilage .
Check Can Codes: Verify the can codes and “Best if Used By” dates to determine if your product is part of the recall .
Return or Dispose of the Product: Return the recalled tuna to the retailer for a full refund or dispose of it by sealing it in a plastic bag before throwing it away .
Contact Tri-Union Seafoods: Consumers can reach out to the company at support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com or call 833-374-0171 for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product .

Broader Implications for Food Safety

This recall highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of mass-produced, shelf-stable foods. The global seafood supply chain is complex, with products often sourced from multiple countries, making traceability and quality control challenging. The defect in the pull-tab lids underscores the importance of rigorous manufacturing standards and regular inspections to prevent contamination .

Additionally, the recall serves as a reminder for consumers to stay informed about food safety alerts and to take recalls seriously, even if no illnesses have been reported. Proper handling and disposal of recalled products can prevent potential health risks and contribute to a safer food system .

— Conclusion

The 2025 canned tuna recall is a significant event that underscores the importance of food safety and consumer vigilance. While no illnesses have been reported, the potential risks associated with botulism make it crucial for consumers to check their pantries and take appropriate action if they have purchased any affected products. By staying informed and following the recommended steps, consumers can protect themselves and their families from potential harm.

For more information on the recall, visit the FDA’s official website or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly.