Walmart, Trader Joe’s, H-E-B, Costco, and other stores recalled several brands of canned tuna that could cause botulism due to defective easy-open pull-tab lids.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Botulism cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with Botulism after eating recalled canned tuna or seafood, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Canned Tuna Recalled for Botulism Risk
In February 2025, Tri-Union Seafoods recalled multiple brands of canned tuna that were sold at H-E-B, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Walmart, and other stores in certain states due to a risk of botulism poisoning. The recalled brand-names include:
- H-E-B
- Trader Joe’s
- Genova
- Van Camp’s
Did Anyone Get Sick?
No illnesses were reported as of February 2025, but the tuna was packaged in defective cans that may not be sealed properly, which could allow for the growth of the bacteria that causes botulism.
Consumers are being warned not to use this product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. According to Tri-Union Seafoods:
“The ‘easy open’ pull tab can lid on limited products encountered a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time), causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.”
What is the Problem?
The recalled cans of tuna may not be sealed properly, which could result in contamination with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria produces a powerful nerve toxin that causes botulism, a paralytic illness that can cause death. Canned tuna that contains the botulism toxin may not look, smell, or taste spoiled.
How To Identify Recalled Cans of Tuna
The recall includes Solid White Tuna or Yellowfin Tuna in Water or Olive Oil, in 5-oz. or 7-oz. cans. The impacted products were distributed to retail stores as follows:
- 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
Look on the bottom of the can for other identifying information, including specific can codes and Best if Used By dates.
Then you should check the recall and scroll to the bottom to see a list of recalled UPC Codes, Best-If-Used By Dates, and Can Codes.
What Should I Do?
Tri-Union Seafood is urging customers not to eat the recalled tuna. You can return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund, throw it away, or contact the company for a free replacement. “Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention,” according to the recall.
What is Botulism?
Botulism is a type of food poisoning that is caused by a nerve toxin (poison) produced by the growth of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This bacteria is found naturally in the environment, including dirt and dust, but it does not usually make people sick. If it gets into canned food, however, it can grow and produce the toxin.
Canned tuna that is contaminated with the botulism toxin may not look, smell, or taste spoiled, but it can cause life-threatening illness.
What Are The Symptoms of Botulism?
Botulism is a medical emergency that can be deadly. The most common symptoms of botulism include:
-
- Droopy eyelids
- Double or blurred vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dry mouth
- Thick feeling tongue
- Loss of facial expression or muscle weakness in the face
- Inability of the neck muscles to support the head
- Slurred speech
Botulism Long-Term Risks: Paralysis & Death
Botulism is a medical emergency that can be deadly. If not treated quickly, paralysis can spread in the body and cause paralysis of the arms, legs, and body. It can paralyze the muscles that control breathing. About 1 in 20 people who get botulism die from respiratory failure (unable to breathe) or suffer from long-term paralysis.
Do I Have a Canned Tuna Botulism Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Botulism cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with Botulism after eating recalled canned tuna or seafood, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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