FDA Warns Shoppers After Recalled Tuna Reaches Stores

Shoppers across nine states are being urged to check their pantries after a surprising food safety issue involving canned tuna resurfaced, not because of a new production problem, but due to a distribution mishap. According to a January 2026 notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), previously recalled Genova brand canned tuna products were mistakenly shipped to stores—a move that has triggered renewed warnings and a scramble to keep potentially dangerous products out of consumers’ hands.

The saga began nearly a year earlier, in February 2025, when Tri-Union Seafoods voluntarily recalled several canned tuna products after discovering a manufacturing defect in the “easy open” pull-tab lids. According to the company and the FDA, the defect could compromise the seal of the cans, potentially allowing the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism—a rare but potentially fatal form of food poisoning. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, botulism can lead to difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and, in severe cases, death. Foods that are improperly canned, preserved, or fermented create ideal conditions for this dangerous toxin to form.

After the initial recall, affected products were supposed to remain quarantined, kept far from store shelves. But in January 2026, Tri-Union Seafoods discovered that a third-party distributor had inadvertently released some of these quarantined cans, sending them to select retailers in several states. The company emphasized that this was not a new recall tied to freshly produced tuna, but rather a shipment mistake involving products that should never have been sold again.

According to the FDA, the mistakenly distributed products landed on shelves at Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Additional shipments reached Giant Food locations in Maryland and Virginia, as well as Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores in California. The scope of the error has prompted widespread concern, particularly among consumers who rely on canned tuna as a pantry staple.

So, how can shoppers know if their tuna is affected? The recall specifically involves Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, sold in five-ounce cans as four-packs with UPC 4800073265 and can codes S84N D2L or S84N D3L. These have “Best if Used By” dates of January 21, 2028, or January 24, 2028. Also included is Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt, five-ounce cans with UPC 4800013275, can code S88N D1M, and a “Best if Used By” date of January 17, 2028. The FDA and Tri-Union Seafoods are urging consumers to check the bottom of their cans for these identifying details.

Federal regulators and food safety experts are clear: consumers should not eat the recalled tuna under any circumstances—even if it looks or smells perfectly normal. As the FDA put it, “Do not use the recalled tuna even if it looks or smells normal.” The risk of botulism is simply too great to take chances. Symptoms of botulism typically appear between 12 and 36 hours after consuming contaminated food and may include blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing or speaking, muscle weakness, respiratory problems, nausea, and vomiting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after eating canned tuna is advised to seek immediate medical attention.

According to Good Housekeeping, the original recall was issued “out of an abundance of caution,” but the gravity of the potential consequences cannot be overstated. Botulism, while rare, is a medical emergency, and early intervention is critical for survival. The FDA’s renewed alert is a stark reminder that even products that appear safe can harbor hidden dangers if food safety protocols are not strictly followed at every step of the supply chain.

Consumers who discover they have any of the recalled products have several options. They can return the affected cans to the place of purchase for a full refund, dispose of them safely, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product. The company’s consumer support line is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, and assistance is also available via email. “Customers can also throw the can away or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product,” confirmed WJW in its reporting.

The mishap has also shone a light on the complexities of modern food distribution. The error was not due to a fresh production problem, but rather a logistical slip-up—quarantined products, meant to be kept out of circulation, were accidentally shipped out. According to Tri-Union Seafoods, as soon as the issue was discovered, the company moved quickly to notify consumers and retailers. The company reiterated that the safety and well-being of its customers remain its top priority, and it is working closely with federal regulators to resolve the situation.

This episode is not the first time canned goods have been at the center of a botulism scare. Improperly canned foods have long been a known risk, with outbreaks occasionally making headlines. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently linked a widespread outbreak of infant botulism to recalled baby formula, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Clostridium botulinum in the food supply.

For shoppers, the advice is clear: double-check your pantry, look for the specific UPC codes and “Best if Used By” dates, and err on the side of caution. As one Tri-Union Seafoods announcement put it, “Do not eat or cook with any of the recalled products—even if the can does not appear dented or smell spoiled.” For those who have already consumed the affected tuna and feel unwell, prompt medical attention could make all the difference.

The recall has also prompted renewed calls for vigilance among retailers and distributors. Ensuring that recalled products remain off store shelves is a shared responsibility, and this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of rigorous oversight at every stage—from manufacturing to distribution to the final point of sale.

For now, Tri-Union Seafoods, the FDA, and grocery chains involved are working to contain the fallout and restore consumer confidence. The hope is that, with quick action and transparent communication, the risks can be minimized and lessons learned for the future.

As food safety remains a top concern for families everywhere, this episode is a vivid reminder: when in doubt, check twice—and when it comes to recalled products, better safe than sorry.