Why is Tri-Union Seafoods recalling canned tuna? Reasons explained

Due to potential contamination risk, Tri-Union Seafoods has voluntarily recalled specific canned tuna products sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brand names.

It issued the recall on February 7, 2025, after its supplier discovered a manufacturing defect in tuna cans' “easy open” lids. According to the announcement by Tri-Union Seafoods, the defect may cause the seal to leak or be contaminated with clostridium botulinum. It could cause botulism, a form of food poisoning that could be fatal.

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The products were reportedly distributed nationwide at major retailers, including Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Kroger, and Publix. The company has urged consumers to avoid eating the recalled product, even if it “does not look or smell spoiled.” It asked them “to immediately seek medical attention if they feel unwell after eating one of the affected products,” as per a press release.

However, no case of illness has been reported so far in connection to the recall. So, which cans were affected, and how to identify them? Here are the details for your better understanding.

Which are the specific Seafood products that were affected?

The recalled products included UPCs and Best if Used By dates and can codes indicated on the bottom of the cans. They were reportedly distributed in at least 25 states. According to a press release by the FDA, the following products were affected during the recall -

H-E-B Solid White Tuna in Water 5.0 oz 4 Pack

UPC - 4122043345, CAN code S9FA 45K and S9FA 46K; and Best if Used By dates 12/12/2027.

Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil 5.0 oz

UPC – 4800025015, Can code - S83N 45K, and Best if Used By date - 12/2/2027

Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil 5 oz 4 Pack

UPC – 4800075015, Can code - S83N 45K, and Best if Used By date - 12/2/2027

Trader Joe’s Solid Light Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil

UPC code – 51403, Can code - S74N D2M and Best if Used By date - 1/10/2028

Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil

UPC – 99287, Can codes - S94N D3N, S94N D4N, and Best if Used By dates - 1/13/2028 for each.

Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Water

UPC – 99285, Can codes - S92N D1L, S92N D2L, and Best if Used By dates - 1/9/2028 for each.

Other affected products included Trader Joe’s Solid White Water Low Sodium, Trader Joe’s Solid White Water No Salt Added.

It also included a few products from Genova featuring Genova Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz, Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz, Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz 4 Pack, Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 7.0 oz 6 Pack, and Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt 5.0 oz, according to the details listed in FDA’s press release.

What is Clostridium botulinum?

According to a report by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, Clostridium botulinum is a deadly bacterium that lives and grows in low-oxygen conditions. It causes a life-threatening disease called Botulism which attacks your body’s nervous system.

Botulism is caused by to ingestion of a potent neurotoxin produced during the growth of the C. botulinum bacteria. It indicated that it is one of the most toxic substances and even microscopic amounts can cause death or illness.

C. botulinum spores are often found on the surfaces of fruits and vegetables and in seafood. Botulism can be of different types including foodborne, infant, and wound botulism.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the signs and symptoms of Botulism are muscle weakness, double vision, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, difficulty moving the eyes, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

Edited by Zainab Shaikh

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