Publix Products Recalled in 5 States

Publix has announced two separate recalls in the month of February that have affected customers in five different states.

Newsweek reports that Tri-Union Seafoods voluntarily recalled certain canned tuna brands, including those sold under the Genova brand, due to a manufacturing defect that could weaken the seal over time. This could potentially lead to leaks or contamination with clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can cause serious illness. The recall affects customers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, per the FDA.

A Publix corporate press release also revealed that the state’s health department ordered a recall of oysters collected in Louisiana’s oyster harvesting Area 3 since January 2010, citing complaints of norovirus-like infections.

According to the post, 15 people were ill after eating oysters from the affected area at a number of New Orleans eateries. Two individuals were hospitalized but eventually released.

The post did not specify which stores sold the affected oysters.

Publix Has Grown Beyond Its Florida Roots

Despite this recent spate of recalls, Publix has proven to be quite the Florida success story, growing above and beyond its origins in the Sunshine State.

One of the most important factors contributing to its success is its ability to use technology to stay ahead of the competition. The company’s $50 million investment in a high-tech campus in Lakeland, Florida, is critical to its digital transformation, fueling innovation in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and retail media.

Publix is using AI techniques to manage inventory, improve customer service, and customize shopping experiences. Its strategic partnership with Instacart has extended delivery and curbside pickup options, including a popular 15-minute delivery option. These technological expenditures are helping Publix stand out from competitors such as Amazon Fresh and Walmart.

Publix has gradually established itself as a significant local operator with a local sourcing strategy and a dedication to customer service. Barron’s said in March 2024 that “Publix dominates the Florida grocery market,” citing that the grocer has triple the margins of Kroger and a “fortress balance sheet.”

The grocery business operates 1,360 shops throughout the Southeast and boasts a robust balance sheet, low long-term debt, and over $13 billion in investments. Publix’s emphasis on customer service, a culture of employee ownership, and strategic development — particularly in Florida, where it operates 859 grocery stores — have driven most competitors away.