A warning to canned tuna lovers. Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and other major retailers have recalled certain Genova, Van Camp’s, and store-brand canned tuna due to a manufacturing defect that could lead to botulism poisoning.
The culprit is a faulty pull-tab lid that may compromise the seal, allowing deadly Clostridium botulinum bacteria to grow. If consumed, it can cause paralysis and death.
If you bought canned tuna recently, stop what you’re doing and check your cans. The recall includes products from Costco, Kroger, H-E-B, Safeway, Harris Teeter, and other major U.S. grocery chains.
What is Botulism? The Hidden Danger in Canned Food
Botulism is one of the deadliest forms of food poisoning. It attacks the nervous system, causing:
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Breathing difficulties
Symptoms appear 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food. Without treatment, botulism can be fatal.
Even if your tuna looks, smells, or tastes fine, don’t eat it. Botulism has no taste or odor.
Which Canned Tuna Brands Are Recalled?
Tri-Union Seafoods, the company behind Genova, Van Camp’s, and store-brand canned tuna, has recalled products in more than two dozen states.
Check your tuna cans if you shop at these stores:
| Brand Name | Retailer | States Affected |
| Trader Joe’s | Trader Joe’s | DE, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, VA, WA D.C., WI |
| Genova (7oz cans) | Costco | FL, GA |
| Genova (5oz cans) | Harris Teeter, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart | AL, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, NC, NJ, TN, TX |
| Van Camp’s | Walmart | PA, FL, NJ |
| H-E-B Store Brand | H-E-B | Texas |
If you have a recalled can, return it immediately. Do not open it, eat it, or even donate it. Throw it away or return it for a full refund.
How to Check if Your Tuna is Part of the Recall
Each recalled tuna can has specific UPCs, lot codes, and expiration dates.
How to check:
- Look for Genova, Van Camp’s, or store-brand canned tuna in your pantry.
- If purchased at Costco, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, or Kroger, check the best-by date and UPC code on the recall list.
- If your can is included, do not eat it. Return it to the store or call Tri-Union Seafoods at 833-374-0171.
Costco Tuna Recall 2025 – What to Do If You Bought It
If you bought canned tuna at Costco in 2025, you might be wondering:
- Can I get a refund? Yes. Return it to the store for a full refund.
- Can I get a replacement? Yes. Contact Tri-Union Seafoods for a retrieval kit and replacement coupon.
- Should I eat it if it looks okay? No. Botulism has no smell, taste, or visual signs.
Canned Tuna Recalls – Why Does This Keep Happening?
This isn’t the first canned tuna recall in recent years. The FDA warns that improper canning and sealing can lead to foodborne illnesses, including botulism, salmonella, and listeria.
Past canned tuna recalls include:
- 2023: Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea recalled canned tuna due to contamination risks.
- 2022: StarKist recalled tuna products over packaging defects.
- 2021: A major recall affected store-brand tuna sold at Walmart and Kroger.
If you regularly buy canned tuna from Costco, Walmart, or Trader Joe’s, stay alert. Check the FDA recall list before consuming.
How to Stay Safe – Avoiding Botulism in Canned Foods
Tips to protect yourself:
Check the can before opening. If it’s swollen, leaking, or damaged, throw it away.
Store canned food properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent bacteria growth.
Never eat from a dented or bulging can. Even a small dent could mean contamination.
Follow recall alerts. Sign up for FDA food recall notifications to stay informed.
When in doubt, throw it out. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.
Stay Safe, Check Your Tuna, Get Your Refund
This botulism risk canned tuna recall is serious. If you shop at Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, or Kroger, check your pantry now. If you have a recalled can, do not eat it.
Return it, get your refund, and stay safe. Take action today. Your health depends on it.
