'Potentially fatal' canned tuna urgently recalled

It’s worth checking out the tuna you have stored in your pantry as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an updated recall notice on a potentially-deadly batch of the tinned fish.

On Monday (January 19), the FDA published a company announcement on behalf of Tri-Union Seafoods.

The products involved in the company’s health recall are two types of tinned Genova Yellowfin Tuna.

Despite initially being recalled in February 2025, Tri-Union Seafoods discovered the quarantined cases of the fish in olive oil and extra virgin olive oil with sea salt had been shipped out across the United States by a third-party distributor.

The FDA said the original voluntary recall was conducted after a supplier noted that the ‘easy open’ pull tab can lid on some products had a ‘manufacturing defect’.

A batch of potentially contaminated tuna has been redistributed despite a recall (FDA)

It’s understood that over time the issue may have compromised the integrity of the product seal, causing it to ‘leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.’

The Cleveland Clinic writes that the bacteria can produce a toxin that disrupts your body’s nervous system.

Symptoms of contamination include double or blurred vision, difficulty breathing, trouble speaking, drooping eyelids, a swollen stomach, and nausea and vomiting.

If left untreated, botulism can be deadly.

To date, there have been no confirmed reports of illnesses linked to the recalled products.

The redistributed tinned fish featured in the updated recall have been sold across six retailers situated in nine states.

These are: various Meijer grocery stores across Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin; Maryland and Virgina-based Giant Foods, and Safeway Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions in California.

The first product in the recall is a 4 Pack of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz, with a UPC number of 4800073265.

You can identity using the can codes S84N D2L and S84N D2L.

The Best if Used By Date on these potentially contaminated items are dated between 21 and 24 of January 2028.

It's understood the 'easy peel' seal may have had a defect (FDA)

The second tin included in the FDA warning is Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt 5.0 oz, with a UPC number of 4800013275.

The Can code is S88N D1M and the Best if Used By Date is listed as 17 January 2028.

The FDA warns that consumers should not use or eat the panty staple, even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

“Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention,” the agency warned.

If you have one of the recalled substances, it’s advised you return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, throw it away, or or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly for a retrieval kit.

Those who abide by the latter will also receive a coupon for a replacement product.