By: Richard L. Smith
A voluntary recall has been announced for several canned tuna products sold under the brands Genova®, Van Camp’s®, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s due to potential packaging defects that could lead to food safety risks. 
According to information released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Tri-Union Seafoods initiated the recall as a precautionary measure after being notified by its supplier that some cans may have faulty “easy open” pull-tab lids.
This defect could compromise the product’s seal, leading to leakage or, in severe cases, contamination with *Clostridium botulinum*, a bacterium that can cause botulism—a rare but potentially deadly form of food poisoning.
The USDA warns consumers not to consume the affected products, even if they appear normal, as botulism poisoning does not always cause visible signs of spoilage.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, or blurred vision should seek immediate medical attention.
While no illnesses have been reported so far, Tri-Union Seafoods is conducting the recall to prioritize consumer safety.
The affected tuna cans were distributed to multiple retailers nationwide, including:
- H-E-B (sold in Texas)
- Trader Joe’s (sold in 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. cans (sold at Costco locations in Florida and Georgia)
- Genova 5 oz. cans (available at 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 (distributed through Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey)
Consumers can identify the recalled products by checking the can codes, Best if Used By dates, and UPC numbers printed on the bottom of the cans.
Those who have purchased these products are advised to return them to the retailer for a full refund, dispose of them safely, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods to request a retrieval kit along with a replacement product coupon. 
For further details, consumers can reach out to the company or visit the USDA’s website for recall updates.