Canned Tuna Sold at Trader Joe's, Walmart, Costco and More Recalled

Whether you’re indulging in the occasional can of tuna for a quick meal during pregnancy (the American Pregnancy Association recommends limiting intake due to widely varying mercury levels) or serving it to your toddler as an easy snack, it’s time to double-check your cans due to a recent recall. Here’s what you need to know.

Why is canned tuna being recalled?

Tri-Union Seafoods has voluntarily recalled select lots of canned tuna products sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brand names due to botulism concerns.

While no illnesses have been reported, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the company issued the recall out of “an abundance of caution” after being notified by their supplier of a manufacturing defect in the “easy open” pull-tab can lids. The defect may compromise the product seal over time, leading to potential leaks or, worse, contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Pregnant individuals and young children are at higher risk of severe illness from Clostridium botulinum exposure.

How do I know if my product is affected?

The recalled tuna cans were sold in various retail stores across the U.S. under multiple labels, including:

• 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. – 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

You can find a full list of affected items at FDA.gov, where you can cross-reference your can’s code and Best If Used By date, located on the bottom of the can.

What should I do if I have an affected item?

If you have a recalled tuna can, the FDA urges consumers to return it to the retailer for a refund, dispose of it safely, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Clostridium botulinum infection from contaminated canned goods can cause symptoms within 12 to 36 hours. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, or trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.