Canned tuna recalled after distributor mistakenly ships quarantined cans tied to botulism risk

Canned tuna recalled after distributor mistakenly ships quarantined cans tied to botulism risk

Posted by
1 min read
January 25, 2026

EL SEGUNDO, CA – Tri-Union Seafoods, the parent company of Genova, has issued a new warning to consumers after a third-party distributor accidentally released quarantined cans of Yellowfin Tuna that were previously recalled due to a potential contamination risk from Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that causes botulism.

The company said the affected products were linked to a February 2025 voluntary recall prompted by a manufacturing defect in certain “easy-open” pull-tab lids, which could compromise the can’s seal and allow bacterial contamination. The defect may cause cans to leak or, over time, allow Clostridium botulinum to develop inside.

The recalled products were distributed to a limited number of retailers, including Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin; Giant Foods in Maryland and Virginia; and Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores in California.

Canned tuna recalled after distributor mistakenly ships quarantined cans tied to botulism risk
Photo: canned tuna recalled after distributor mistakenly ships quarantined cans tied to botulism risk

The affected products include:

  • Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, 5.0 oz 4-Pack – UPC 4800073265
     Can Codes: S84N D2L (Best if Used By 1/21/2028) and S84N D3L (Best if Used By 1/24/2028)
  • Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt, 5.0 oz – UPC 4800013275
     Can Code: S88N D1M (Best if Used By 1/17/2028)
  • Recalled Genova Yellowfin Tuna linked to prior 2025 safety recall
  • Defective lids may allow Clostridium botulinum contamination
  • Products distributed to major grocery chains in seven states

Consumers are urged not to eat the affected tuna, even if it appears normal or smells fine, as botulism can cause severe illness or death. Symptoms may include blurred vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Anyone who may have consumed contaminated product should seek immediate medical care.

Tri-Union Seafoods is offering a refund or replacement for returned cans. Consumers can contact the company at support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com or 833-374-0171, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, to request a retrieval kit and a replacement coupon.

The company said it is cooperating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure all affected inventory is removed from distribution and apologized for the error.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Don't Miss