Canned Tuna Sold at Costco, Trader Joe’s, H-E-B, and Walmart Recalled Over Botulism Concerns

On Feb. 7, as AP News reported, several lots of canned tuna were voluntarily recalled by Tri-Union Seafoods based out of El Segundo, California.

The canned tuna product was recalled over concerns of potential botulism, as the cans themselves were of the “easy open” variety and may have been affected by a manufacturing defect that could cause the tuna to open prematurely or expose itself to the bacteria that causes botulism.

Canned Tuna Recall Affects Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and H-E-B Shoppers Across Numerous States

According to The Independent, the canned tuna recall pertains to products bearing the Trader Joe’s, Genova, H-E-B, and Van Camp brand labels.

The Trader Joe’s labeled tuna was sold in the following states, according to a Tri-Union Seafoods press release: 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.

Recalled Genova 7-ounce cans were sold at Costco warehouse clubs in Florida and George, while Genova 5-ounce cans were distributed to Harris Teeter, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent retailers in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas.

Potentially affected Van Camp’s tuna cans were sold at Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey, while H-E-B brand canned tuna listed in the recall was only sold in Texas.

No Illnesses Recorded Due to Canned Tuna Recall

So far, per Tri-Union Seafoods, “No illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported and the recall is being conducted to ensure consumer safety.”

However, consumers holding the recalled product in their pantry are advised to return it to the store they bought it from for a full refund, contact Tri-Union Seafoods itself for a retrieval kit and coupon for a replacement product, or, as a last resort, simply dispose of the tuna entirely.

The company provided an extensive list of the recalled tuna, including UPCs, best-if-used-by dates, and can codes as part of its press release. Consumers with additional questions can reach Tri-Union Seafoods at 833-374-0171 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET) or via email at support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com