Tri-Union Seafoods has announced a voluntary recall of select canned tuna products sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brands, citing potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism—a rare but potentially fatal form of food poisoning.
The recall affects products distributed to major retailers, including Trader Joe’s, Costco, H-E-B, Publix, Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart, across multiple states such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York. The issue stems from a manufacturing defect in the “easy open” pull tab lids, which may compromise the integrity of the product seal, leading to possible contamination.
Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled products, even if they appear or smell normal. Symptoms of botulism can include difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and, in severe cases, death. No illnesses have been reported to date. Affected products can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund, discarded, or consumers can contact Tri-Union Seafoods for a retrieval kit and replacement coupon.
