Canned tuna sold at Costco, Trader Joe’s recalled due to food poisoning risk

Canned tuna recall: Tri-Union Seafoods voluntarily issued the recall ‘out of an abundance of caution’ after learning that the ‘easy open’ pull tab on the lids had a potential defect that could compromise the seal, causing the product to leak or potentially be contaminated with clostridium botulinum. FILE PHOTO

EL SEGUNDO – An El Segundo-based seafood distribution company has issued a recall of selected canned tuna products sold under various brand names in stores in multiple states, including California.

Tri-Union Seafoods voluntarily issued the recall “out of an abundance of caution” after learning that the “easy open” pull tab on the can lids had a potential defect that could compromise the seal, causing the product to leak or potentially be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a possibly fatal food poisoning, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

“Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” according to the FDA announcement. “Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention. No illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported and the recall is being conducted to ensure consumer safety.”

The affected cans were distributed to under the following brand names:

— H-E-B label in Texas;
— Trader Joe’s label in 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;
— Genova 7 oz. at Costco in Florida and Georgia;
— Genova 5 oz. at 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; and
— Van Camp’s label at Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida and New Jersey.

People in possession of recalled tuna cans can return them to the retailer for a full refund, or simply throw them away.

A complete listing of affected lot numbers and used-by dates is available here. (CNS)