Popular Canned Tuna Recalled Over Potentially Fatal Botulism Risk
Whenever a company issues a recall, that is always something that people who've purchased the product should take very seriously. Still, a currently ongoing food recall is of the utmost importance because of its potentially fatal implications.
Genova Canned Tuna Recalled for Deadly Botulism Risk—How to Identify Which Cans Are Affected
Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images for NYCWFF
As a post on the FDA's website shows, Tri-Union Seafoods announced a voluntary recall of its popular Genova Yellowfin Tuna on January 16, 2026, due to a potentially fatal poisoning hazard. "The initial voluntary recall was conducted following notification from our supplier that the 'easy open' pull tab can lid on limited products had a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time), causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning."
The company gave specific details about how customers could identify whether tuna cans they'd purchased may be affected.
Description | UPC | Can Code | Best if Used By Date |
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz 4 Pack | 4800073265 | S84N D2L | 1/21/2028 |
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz 4 Pack | 4800073265 | S84N D3L | 1/24/2028 |
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt 5.0 oz | 4800013275 | S88N D1M | 1/17/2028 |
The FDA's website detailed that the initial recall occurred in February 2025, but more of the product was mistakenly sent out to retailers in nine states. "This current recall was initiated after Tri-Union Seafoods discovered that quarantined cases, associated with the initial recall, were inadvertently shipped by a third-party distributor. The impacted products were distributed to limited retail stores." The recall notice also included information about the states and stores that received those shipments.
- Meijer – Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin
- Giant Foods – Maryland and Virginia
- Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions – California
Tri-Union Seafoods provided clear guidance for anyone who may have purchased any of the recalled cans. "Consumers should not use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention. If you have a recalled tuna can, please return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, throw it away, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product. Consumers can contact Tri-Union Seafoods at support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com or 833-374-0171, if they have any questions or to request replacement product. The toll-free number hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST."
Why Botulism Is One of the Deadliest Foodborne Illnesses
While the canned tuna recall doesn't explicitly mention botulism, the fact that it warns about Clostridium botulinum contamination reveals that kind of poisoning is at risk. That is the case because that bacterium produces botulinum toxin, the cause of the deadly foodborne pathogen, botulism.
An April 2024 article on the CDC's website details why botulism poisoning is so dangerous. "Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves. Botulism causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death."