Canned tuna from Trader Joe's, Walmart, and Costco recalled over botulism risk

Certain canned tuna items sold by supermarkets such as Costco, Trader Joe's, and Walmart are being recalled owing to botulism concerns, according to a warning issued Monday by the US FDA.

Tri-Union Seafoods, a subsidiary of Thai Union, a worldwide seafood distributor located in Thailand, announced the recall of canned tuna sold in dozens of states and Washington, D.C., under the Genova, Van Camp's, H-E-B, and Trader Joe's brand names.

"This voluntary recall is out of an abundance of caution following the notification from our supplier that the 'easy open' pull tab can lid on limited products encountered a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal, causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning," the company stated, warning consumers not to use the product "even if it does not look or smell spoiled" and advising any consumers who are feeling unwell to "seek immediate medical attention."

The defective lid could cause the product to leak or get contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which is defined as "a potentially fatal form of food poisoning."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Clostridium botulinum can cause botulism, which is an uncommon but deadly sickness that targets the body's nerves and can cause trouble breathing, muscular paralysis, and death.

Consumers who have purchased the items are advised not to use them, even if they do not seem or smell rotten.

According to Tri-Union Seafoods, no illnesses have been recorded in connection with the recalled items as of yet.

In Texas, the products were distributed to retail stores under the H-E-B label, while 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, they were distributed under the Trader Joe’s label.

It was also available in Genova 7 oz. cans at Costco in Florida and Georgia, as well as Genova 5 oz. cans at Harris Teeter, Public, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent shops in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas.

It was also sold under the Van Camp name at Walmart and independent stores in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey.

Customers who have any recalled tuna cans can return them to the merchant for a full refund, discard them, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly "for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product."

Tri-Union Seafoods also provides support by email at [email protected] and phone at (833) 374-0171, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

"This recall does not impact any other Tri-Union Seafoods products, as no other product packaging was impacted by this potential defect," the company stated in its announcement. "Tri-Union Seafoods is committed to upholding the highest safety and quality standards."