Federal regulators are warning shoppers to discard or return specific cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna that were mistakenly shipped to grocery stores across nine states after being quarantined since a February recall.
At a Glance
- Pull-tab lids on some cans may leak or allow clostridium botulinum contamination.
- The recalled tuna reached Meijer, Giant Foods, Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions locations.
- Consumers should not eat the product even if it looks or smells normal.
- Why it matters: Botulism can be fatal and requires immediate medical care.
The Food and Drug Administration says the cans were part of a broader recall initiated last February when Tri-Union Seafoods discovered defective “easy open” pull-tab lids. The defect could let the cans leak or become contaminated with clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism.
Despite the quarantine order, a third-party distributor recently “inadvertently shipped” the tuna to retailers, according to the agency.
“Consumers should not use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled,” the FDA emphasized. “Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention.”
Affected Products
Shoppers should check for the following Genova items:
- Four-packs of 5-ounce cans of Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil with UPC 4800073265
- Code S84N D2L; best by January 21, 2028
- Code S84N D3L; best by January 24, 2028
- Single 5-ounce cans of Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt with UPC 4800013275S88N and code D1M1/17/2028; best by January 17, 2028
Store Locations That Received Shipments
| Chain | States |
|---|---|
| Meijer | Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin |
| Giant Foods | Maryland, Virginia |
| Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions | California |
Anyone who finds the recalled tuna should either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
Customers with questions can contact Tri-Union Seafoods at (833) 374-0171 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET, or email [email protected].
Key Takeaways
- The recall covers specific lot codes and “best by” dates only.
- Botulism symptoms can appear within hours; medical care is urgent.
- Additional distribution errors are under investigation.
