Canned Tuna Sold in New York Recalled over Botulism Contamination

A new recall has a grocery chain in New York pulling items off it shelves due to serious health concerns.

The latest recall involves canned tuna sold at Walmart, Trader Joe's and other grocery chains nationwide. Unlike previous recalls, listeria contamination isn't the cause of it.

The Food and Drug Administration announced a voluntary recall of tuna produced by Tri-Union Seafoods "under the Genova®, Van Camp’s®, H-E-B and Trader Joe’s brand names."

Besides Trader Joe's, the product is sold by Costco, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Harris Teeter, H-E-B, and other independent retailers.

The affected cans have a "manufacturing defect" that can cause the product to leak or become contaminated with a fatal form of food poisoning known as clostridium botulism.

What Is Botulism?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says botulism is rare, but it can cause serious complications. This particular bacteria acts like a toxin that attacks a body's nerves, resulting in breathing problems, muscle paralysis, and even death.

This bacteria is able to survive in extreme conditions because it makes spores that act like a protective shell. While this bacteria is "found naturally in many places," cases where it makes people deathly ill are extremely rare.

Conditions that allow the botulism bacteria to create its toxin include low-oxygen environments; areas with low acid, sugar, or salt; and certain temperature ranges.  This includes improperly canned or preserved goods that allow the spores to grow.

"When people eat these foods, they can become seriously ill, or even die, if they don't get proper medical treatment quickly," the CDC warned.

States Impacted By the Tuna Fish Recall

The recall warns:

Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention.

More than 2 dozen states are listed in this latest recall, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

New Yorkers who purchased "easy open" canned tuna from Trader Joe's should check the labels for a best buy date.

The recall impacts the solid white tuna in olive oil" with a best buy date of January 13, 2028; solid tuna in water with a best buy date of January 9, 2028; solid white water low sodium with a best buy date of December 13, 2027 and January 8, 2028; solid white no salt with a best buy date of January 9, 2028; and slid light yellowfin tuna in olive oil with a best buy date of January 10, 2028.

You can find all relevant can code and UPC numbers in the official recall notice.

Read More: Massive Dog Food Recall in New York Could Put Your Pet at Risk

Those who possess the recalled product may return it for a full refund at their point of purchase, contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly for a coupon, or should throw it away immediately.

The CDC notes "all kinds of botulism can be fatal and are medical emergencies." That being said, this is one recall that should be taken very seriously.

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