Canned Tuna Accidentally Distributed to 9 U.S. States Despite Recall Over Potentially Fatal Contamination
U.S. consumers are being urged to check their pantries after Tri-Union Seafoods confirmed that previously recalled canned tuna products were accidentally distributed to retailers in nine states, nearly one year after the original recall was issued.
The affected products carry a risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause botulism—an extremely rare but potentially fatal form of food poisoning.
What Happened?
On January 16, 2026, Tri-Union Seafoods announced that a third-party distributor mistakenly shipped quarantined canned tuna products that had already been recalled in February 2025.
According to the company, the products were never intended to re-enter the supply chain. However, due to an error by the distributor, the recalled items were delivered to retail stores across multiple states.
Products Involved in the Accidental Distribution
The mistakenly shipped products include:
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Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (4-pack)
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Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt (single cans)
These products were originally recalled in February 2025 after the company’s lid supplier identified a manufacturing defect affecting the “easy-open” pull-tab lids.
Why These Products Are Dangerous
The defect may compromise the seal of the can over time, increasing the risk of leakage or contamination with Clostridium botulinum, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Botulism can occur even when food does not look, smell, or taste spoiled, making it especially dangerous if contaminated products are consumed unknowingly.
States Where the Recalled Tuna Was Distributed
The affected products were shipped to stores in the following states:
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Kentucky
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Michigan
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Ohio
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Wisconsin
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Maryland
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Virginia
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California
Retailers involved include Meijer, Giant Food, Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions.
Product Identification Details
Consumers should check for the following details:
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (4-pack)
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UPC: 4800073265
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Can codes: S84N D2L or S84N D3L
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Best-by date: January 2028
Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt (single can)
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UPC: 4800013275
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Can code: S88N D1M
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Best-by date: January 2028
What Consumers Should Do
Health authorities strongly advise:
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Do NOT consume the affected tuna products
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Do NOT taste the product to check if it is safe
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Return the product to the store for a full refund, or discard it safely
Even if the tuna appears normal, it may still be unsafe to eat.
Company Statement
Tri-Union Seafoods emphasized that the original recall in February 2025 was voluntary and issued out of caution after being notified of the lid defect by its supplier.
In a statement, the company said:
“The current action was initiated after we learned that quarantined cases were inadvertently shipped by a third-party distributor. Safety remains our number one concern. We are working closely with the distributor to understand how this occurred and to prevent it from happening again.”
As of now, no confirmed illnesses have been reported in connection with the accidentally distributed products.
Important Clarification
While the original 2025 recall affected canned tuna sold under multiple brands—including Trader Joe’s, Van Camp’s, and H-E-B—this latest accidental distribution only involves Genova-brand products.
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Final Reminder
Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about food recalls and regularly check product codes, especially for shelf-stable foods that may be stored for long periods.
For the latest updates, consumers can visit the FDA or CDC food recall websites.
