The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an urgent consumer alert following the accidental distribution of previously recalled canned tuna products that pose a potentially fatal health risk. The defective Genova brand tuna cans, which were supposed to remain quarantined, were inadvertently shipped to retailers across multiple states by a third-party contractor working for Tri-Union Seafoods.
Critical Safety Breach in Supply Chain
According to the FDA's latest warning issued this week, the dangerous distribution occurred despite an initial recall being implemented in February 2025. The original recall was triggered after Tri-Union Seafoods discovered a critical defect in the easy-open pull tab lids of certain Genova tuna products.
The compromised cans not only risk leakage but also present a serious contamination threat from clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that can cause a potentially fatal form of food poisoning known as botulism. Federal officials have emphasised the extreme danger these products represent to consumer health.
Accidental Distribution Across Major Retailers
The FDA has confirmed that the recalled tuna products were accidentally shipped to several major supermarket chains across the United States. The affected retailers and their distribution areas include:
- Meijer stores across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin
- Giant Foods locations in Maryland and Virginia
- Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions supermarkets throughout California
This widespread distribution represents a significant food safety breach that has prompted immediate action from federal regulators and the affected retailers.
Identifying the Recalled Products
Consumers are urged to immediately check their pantries for two specific Genova tuna products that are subject to this urgent recall:
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz 4 Pack with UPC 4800073265, can codes S84N D2L or S84N D3L, and a Best if Used By date of January 21, 2028
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt 5.0 oz with UPC 4800013275, can code S88N D1M, and a Best if Used By date of January 17, 2028
Immediate Health Warnings and Consumer Actions
Federal officials have issued stark warnings about the health risks associated with these products. Consumers are advised not to consume any tuna from these batches, even if the cans show no visible damage or unusual odour. The invisible nature of botulism contamination means products can appear perfectly normal while containing deadly bacteria.
Anyone who has consumed these products and experiences any symptoms of illness is urged to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of botulism poisoning can include blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, and respiratory problems that can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled tuna should return the products to their place of purchase for a full refund. Retailers have been instructed to remove any remaining stock from shelves immediately and to cooperate fully with the FDA's investigation into how this distribution failure occurred.
The incident has raised serious questions about supply chain oversight and third-party contractor management in the food industry, with the FDA expected to conduct a thorough review of Tri-Union Seafoods' recall procedures and distribution controls.
