FDA warns of botulism risk as recalled canned tuna ‘inadvertently’ returns to US shelves

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers and retailers after previously recalled canned tuna posing a potential botulism risk re-entered stores across several US states.

In a recall alert issued on Monday, Tri-Union Seafoods said a third-party distributor “inadvertently” redistributed products recalled in February 2025.

Tri-Union Seafoods quarantined the tuna after launching a voluntary recall, following notification from its supplier that the “easy open” pull tab can lid on limited products had a manufacturing defect. The company said the fault could compromise the product seal “especially over time”, causing cans to leak or “be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning”.

Tri-Union Seafoods initiated the current recall after discovering that a third-party distributor had mistakenly shipped quarantined cases linked to the initial recall to retailers.

The impacted products reached limited retail stores, including Meijer locations across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin; Giant Food stores in Maryland and Virginia; and Safeway, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions outlets in California.

The recalled products are:

• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (5.0oz, four-pack)
  UPC: 4800073265
  Can codes: S84N D2L, S84N D3L
  Best if Used By: 21 January 2028 and 24 January 2028
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt (5.0oz)
  UPC: 4800013275
  Can code: S88N D1M
  Best if Used By: 17 January 2028

The alert comes just days after US authorities recalled more than 13,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken over listeria concerns across seven states.

What is botulism and what should consumers do?

Improperly processed acidified or low-acid canned foods can allow the formation of Clostridium botulinum toxin. Botulism, though rare, attacks the nervous system and can be fatal in five to 10 percent of cases. Symptoms include muscle weakness, double vision and difficulty swallowing, while foodborne cases may also cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea.

The FDA warned that consumers “should not use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled” and advised anyone feeling unwell to seek immediate medical attention.

Tri-Union Seafoods said affected products should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund, disposed of, or reported directly to the company to arrange a retrieval kit and replacement coupon.

Consumers can contact Tri-Union Seafoods at [email protected] or 833-374-0171 if they have any questions or to request replacement product.