Image from FDA
Regular consumers of canned Genova brand seafood may feel some déjà vu after discovering another tuna recall for the same exact products for botulism risk.
If you routinely stock this canned yellowfin product, you may have been notified of another recall. The second in less than 12 months.
This is not a drill or a glitch in the matrix. As it turns out, the same product can be recalled twice.
Unfortunately.
How does something like this happen? What products have been re-recalled? How do you know if you have botulism?
Let’s explore!
Nearly a year after it’s initial tuna recall, Tri-Union Seafoods issues yet another tuna recall.
Not for a new issue. For the same products.
The exact same products!
Previously recalled products somehow made it back into the food supply.
How does something like that happen?
In this case, product included in the initial tuna recall was held in quarantine. Instead of destroying the product, it appears that at least some of the recalled tuna sat in a warehouse somewhere.
The press release explains that “a third-party distributor inadvertently released quarantined product that was associated to a February 2025 recall.”
Nearly a year later, that recalled product re-entered the US food supply.
The original recall was initiated due to a defect in the can’s “easy open” pull tab lid. This defect could compromise the integrity of the product seal. Over time, this defect could cause the product to leak or become contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. A potentially fatal foodborne germ commonly associated with improperly canned food.
Out of an abundance of caution, Tri-Union Seafoods issued a voluntary recall for impacted cans.
Three can codes between two Genova canned tuna products are subject to recall.
Can codes and Best if Used By dates can be found on the bottom of the cans.
Impacted products were sent to a limited number of retail stores across 9 states.
Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin received recalled products.
Giant Foods stores in Maryland and Virginia received recalled products.
Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions in California received recalled products.
Consumers are advised not to use, consume, or serve recalled products. Even if the product does not look or smell spoiled.
In some cases, products contaminated with Clostridium botulinum may appear bulged from gas build-up. But this is not always the case. Harmful bacteria and the toxins they produce could be present in the recalled tuna. You would not realize that the product is unsafe until it is too late. Until you begin falling sick.
Tri-Union Seafoods and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urge consumers who are feeling unwell after unknowingly consuming this product to “seek immediate medical attention.”
Foodborne botulism is caused by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. It is a neurotoxigenic species. Meaning, the bacteria produce toxins that impact the brain.
While no tests have revealed the presence of Clostridium botulinum in the product, canned tuna (and improperly canned foods in general) are highly susceptible to this dangerous germ.
Making matters more complicated, foodborne botulism is often difficult to diagnose.
Even more troubling, is that early diagnosis of foodborne botulism is even more unlikely. In many cases the first symptoms of foodborne botulism can sometimes resemble dehydration. It isn’t until more serious symptoms present themselves for clinical diagnosis and appropriate laboratory testing to take place for accurate diagnoses to be made.
Particularly without a known exposure for context.
Unfortunately, by the time diagnosis is probable, things tend to become more serious and life-threatening.
Symptoms of foodborne botulism begin with mild to serious paralysis. It starts with the head and then moves down to the arms and legs causing weakness or paralysis. Respiratory problems occur when paralysis reaches the diaphragm and intercostal muscle. Patients with these symptoms often need mechanical intubation.
Other symptoms may include:
Prompt treatment results in a more favorable outcome.
Without medical treatment and monitoring, patients may not recover if breathing is impacted.
If you have become sick after eating products included in this Tri-Union Seafoods tuna recall, seek medical attention right away. Early treatment gives you the best overall outcome.
Once you feel well enough to do so, it is a good idea to reach out to a Foodborne Botulism Lawyer.
A Foodborne Botulism Lawyer understands your situation and can help gather information on your behalf. They are available to answer questions you may have and even some that you have not thought of yet. An experienced Foodborne Botulism Lawyer will work with insurance companies and represent you in court, should it come to that.
If you have been seriously impacted by this Tri-Union Seafoods tuna recall and wish to file a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help! Call us at (833) 330-3663 for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation. Or send an email here to get started.
Many foodborne illness situations are time sensitive. So don’t wait. Call today.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Does This Tuna Recall Give You Déjà Vu?,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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