The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a renewed warning about certain canned tuna products after previously recalled items were mistakenly shipped to grocery stores in multiple states. The concern is serious because the affected tuna may carry a botulism risk, a rare but potentially fatal form of food poisoning.
Health officials are urging consumers to check their pantries and avoid eating any tuna that matches the recalled product codes, even if the can looks normal.
This recall traces back to February 2025, when Tri Union Seafoods voluntarily recalled select tuna products after identifying a defect in the “easy open” pull tab lids. According to the FDA, the defect could compromise the seal of the can, creating conditions where Clostridium botulinum bacteria may grow.
Botulism is dangerous because it attacks the nervous system and can cause severe illness quickly. What makes it even more alarming is that contaminated canned foods may not look or smell spoiled, so consumers may not realize anything is wrong until symptoms appear.
In January 2026, Tri Union Seafoods discovered that some of the quarantined tuna cans from the earlier recall were accidentally shipped to retail stores by a third party distributor. These products should never have reached shelves, but the distribution mistake led to renewed concern and an updated FDA alert.
The FDA’s latest warning focuses on the additional quantities that were mistakenly released into the supply chain.
The updated recall involves Genova Yellowfin Tuna products, including:
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, 5 ounce cans sold in 4 packs
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt, 5 ounce cans
Consumers are advised to check the codes printed on the bottom of the can, as only specific production codes and best by dates fall under the recall.
The FDA reported that the mistakenly shipped tuna reached stores in nine U.S. states. Retailers that received the affected products include:
Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin
Giant Food stores in Maryland and Virginia
Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores in California
If you purchased canned tuna in these states, especially from the listed retailers, it is worth taking a few minutes to double check what you have at home.
(Rh/ARC)
