Tuna Cans Recalled at Costco, Walmart, and Other Retailers Over Deadly Contamination Risk

Consumers are being urged to check their pantries after multiple brands of canned tuna sold at major retailers—including Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s—have been recalled due to a potentially fatal contamination risk.

Why the Tuna Recall Was Issued

On February 7, 2025, Tri-Union Seafoods announced a voluntary recall of select canned tuna products sold under the following brands:

• Genova®
• Van Camp’s®
• H-E-B
• Trader Joe’s

The recall stems from a manufacturing defect in the easy-open pull-tab lid, which may compromise the seal. If the seal is broken, it can cause leaks and lead to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that produces a deadly toxin responsible for botulism, a rare but serious form of food poisoning.

What Are the Symptoms of Botulism?

Botulism symptoms can appear as early as 4 hours or up to 8 days after consuming contaminated food. They often include:

• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dizziness (vertigo) and dry mouth
• Abdominal bloating or pain
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking

As the condition worsens, paralysis can spread to the respiratory system, making breathing difficult and potentially fatal. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that botulism has a high mortality rate if untreated, with 5–10% of cases resulting in death.

Which Tuna Products Are Affected?

The recalled tuna cans were distributed across various retailers nationwide. Here’s where they were sold:

🔹 H-E-B (Texas)
🔹 Trader Joe’s (multiple states: DE, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, VA, DC, WI)
🔹 Costco (Florida & Georgia – Genova 7 oz cans)
🔹 Harris Teeter, Publix, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent retailers (AL, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, NC, NJ, TN, TX – Genova 5 oz cans)
🔹 Van Camp’s Tuna (sold at Walmart & independent retailers in PA, FL, NJ)

How to Identify Recalled Products

Consumers should check the can codes and expiration dates listed on the bottom of the cans. A full list of affected UPC numbers and expiration dates can be found on the FDA’s website.

What to Do if You Have Recalled Tuna?

🚨 If you have any of these recalled tuna cans, do NOT eat them.
✅ Discard them immediately or return them to the store for a refund.
⚠️ If you have already consumed these products and experience any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Other Recent Food Recalls: Listeria in Broccoli & E. coli in Carrots

Marketside Broccoli Florets Recall (Listeria Risk)

In December 2024, the FDA issued a Class I recall for Marketside Broccoli Florets (12 oz.) after Listeria monocytogenes contamination was detected at a Walmart store in Texas.

🛑 Affected states: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MT, NV, OH, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY.
📆 “Best if Used By” date: December 10, 2024
⚠️ Consumers should return or discard the product immediately.

Listeria can cause severe illness in young children, the elderly, and pregnant women, potentially leading to miscarriages or stillbirths.

E. coli Outbreak Linked to Organic Carrots

In November 2024, the CDC and FDA linked an E. coli outbreak to organic whole and baby carrots from Grimmway Farms.

🚨 39 illnesses, 15 hospitalizations, and 1 death were reported across 18 states, including CA, CO, MI, MN, NY, OH, TX, and WA.

📆 Affected purchase period: August 14 – October 23, 2024
📢 Recalled brands: 365, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and more.

E. coli infections can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. In rare cases, it can lead to kidney failure or death.

🔹 If you have recalled carrots, dispose of them immediately.

How to Stay Safe From Foodborne Illness

Follow these FDA & CDC food safety tips to prevent food poisoning:

✅ Check recall alerts regularly (FDA, USDA, CDC websites).
✅ Wash hands & surfaces frequently before preparing food.
✅ Cook food to the correct internal temperature (use a food thermometer).
✅ Store perishable foods properly (refrigerate at 40°F or below).
✅ Avoid consuming raw or unpasteurized dairy & juices.

By staying informed and following these food safety guidelines, consumers can protect themselves and their families from serious foodborne illnesses.

🔔 Stay Updated on Food Recalls
For the latest FDA food recall alerts, visit the FDA’s official website.

Have you purchased any of these recalled products? Let us know in the comments. Stay safe! 🚨

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