WASHINGTON — Canned tuna sold across the U.S. has been recalled because of a defect in the cans that could lead to contamination with a rare but potentially fatal illness. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Tri-Union Seafoods issued the voluntary recall of select canned tuna products because of a manufacturing defect that could compromise the product’s seal, potentially leading to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that causes botulism.

Botulism is a rare bacterial infection caused by a potent neurotoxin emitted by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The infection causes paralysis and can lead to death if untreated. Symptoms, which appear between 12 and 36 hours after ingesting the bacteria, include blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing or speaking, muscle weakness, respiratory problems, nausea and vomiting. 

The recall affects canned tuna sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brand names. The company announced the recall out of an “abundance of caution” after being notified by a supplier that some “easy open” pull-tab cans may be defective, possibly allowing the product to leak or become contaminated over time.

Consumers are urged not to consume the affected tuna, even if it appears normal, as Clostridium botulinum can grow in improperly sealed cans without visible signs of spoilage. 

The recalled tuna was distributed to major retailers across several states:

• H-E-B brand – Texas
• Trader Joe’s brand – 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 brand – Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey

Consumers can check for specific can codes and Best If Used By dates on the bottom of the cans against this list provided by the FDA. 

Customers who purchased tuna included in the recall can return the cans to the retailer they were bought from for a full refund, throw them in the trash, or contact the company for a retrieval kit and a replacement coupon.

Customers with questions can reach Tri-Union Seafoods at 833-374-0171 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) or via email at support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com.