We all want to serve quick, healthy meals for our families, but if you’ve got canned tuna in your pantry, it’s time to double-check your stash. Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall of several canned tuna products due to a manufacturing defect that could lead to a risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination, a serious food safety concern that parents need to be aware of.
Why this recall matters
On February 7, 2025, the FDA announced that Tri-Union Seafoods recalled select Genova®, Van Camp’s®, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s® canned tuna products. Why is this recall so important? The issue with the pull-tab lids could allow bacteria to grow inside the cans—leading to a serious illness called botulism.
The recall is especially concerning because Clostridium botulinum—the bacteria that causes botulism—doesn’t make food look or smell spoiled. Even if a can looks normal, eating it could still be dangerous. Botulism is rare but serious, potentially leading to muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing. While no illnesses have been reported so far, the company is recalling these products out of an abundance of caution.
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Which tuna products are affected?
The recalled canned tuna was sold under multiple brand names in stores across the U.S. Check your pantry for these products:
- H-E-B label: Texas
- Trader Joe’s label: 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.: Costco in Florida and Georgia
- Genova 5 oz.: Sold 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
- Van Camp’s label: Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey
Check the bottom of tuna cans for the following UPC numbers, can codes, and “best if used by” dates to determine if they are part of the recall.
| Description | UPC | Can Code | Best if Used By Date |
| Genova | |||
| Genova Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz | 4800000215 | S94N 42K | 12/12/2027 |
| S94N 43K | 12/12/2027 | ||
| S94N 44K | 12/12/2027 | ||
| S94N D1L | 1/24/2028 | ||
| Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz | 4800013265 | S84N D1N | 1/13/2028 |
| S84N D2M | 1/17/2028 | ||
| Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz 4 Pack | 4800073265 | S84N 41M | 12/13/2027 |
| S84N 42M | 12/13/2027 | ||
| S84N 42N | 12/13/2027 | ||
| S84N 43N | 12/13/2027 | ||
| S84N D1L | 1/21/2028 | ||
| S84N D1L | 1/23/2028 | ||
| S84N D3L | 1/24/2028 | ||
| Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 7.0 oz 6 Pack | 4800063267 | S84N D1D | 1/21/2028 |
| S84N D1D | 1/23/2028 | ||
| S84N D3D | 1/23/2028 | ||
| S84N D1D | 1/27/2028 | ||
| S84N D2D | 1/27/2028 | ||
| Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt 5.0 oz | 4800013275 | S88N D1M | 1/17/2028 |
| Van Camp’s Seafood | |||
| Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil 5.0 oz | 4800025015 | S83N 45K | 12/2/2027 |
| Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil 5 oz 4 Pack | 4800075015 | S83N 45K | 12/2/2027 |
| Trader Joe’s | |||
| Trader Joe’s Solid Light Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil | 51403 | S74N D2M | 1/10/2028 |
| Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil | 99287 | S94N D3N | 1/13/2028 |
| S94N D4N | 1/13/2028 | ||
| Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Water | 99285 | S92N D1L | 1/9/2028 |
| S92N D2L | 1/9/2028 | ||
| Trader Joe’s Solid White Water Low Sodium | 95836 | S91N 41K | 12/12/2027 |
| S91N 43M | 12/13/2027 | ||
| S91N 44M | 12/13/2027 | ||
| 99284 | S90N D2N | 1/8/2028 | |
| Trader Joe’s Solid White Water No Salt Added | S90N D1M | 1/9/2028 | |
| S90N D2N | 1/9/2028 | ||
| H-E-B | |||
| H-E-B Solid White Tuna in Water 5.0 oz 4 Pack | 4122043345 | S9FA 45K | 12/12/2027 |
| S9FA 46K | 12/12/2027 | ||
What to do if you have recalled tuna
Even if the canned tuna looks and smells fine, do not consume it. Instead:
- Return it for a full refund. Most retailers will issue refunds for recalled products.
- Dispose of it properly. If returning isn’t an option, discard the can in a way that ensures no one else consumes it.
- Request a replacement. Tri-Union Seafoods is offering a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product. For more information, contact them at support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com or call 833-374-0171.
Related: Baked goods FDA recall: what you need to know about the 2 million products impacted
What is botulism?
This recall was issued out of caution, and no illnesses have been reported. However, botulism is a serious foodborne illness that parents should be aware of. According to the CDC, symptoms of botulism can include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Double or blurry vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty moving the eyes
Additional symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Botulism is a medical emergency—seek immediate care if you suspect you or your kids have been exposed.
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How to keep your family safe from foodborne illness
This recall is a reminder to always check food packaging for signs of damage before eating. Here are some general food safety tips:
- Avoid bulging or dented cans, which may indicate bacterial growth.
- Store canned foods in a cool, dry place to maintain their integrity.
- When in doubt, throw it out. If something smells or looks off, don’t take the risk.
The bottom line
As parents, we rely on trusted brands to uphold food safety standards. While it’s reassuring that Tri-Union Seafoods is addressing the issue before any reported illnesses, this recall highlights the importance of staying informed.
Motherly will continue to provide updates on food safety alerts to help keep your family safe. For more details, visit the FDA recalls page or contact the manufacturer directly.
