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Genova Tuna Recall Expands Over Botulism Risk
A new update to a canned tuna recall is drawing attention to a serious food safety concern involving Genova brand products sold in several U.S. states. In January 2026, the Food and Drug Administration published an update tied to an earlier voluntary recall by Tri-Union Seafoods, the company behind Genova tuna. According to the notice, a third-party distributor mistakenly shipped a limited quantity of canned tuna that had already been quarantined due to a packaging defect.
The issue does not involve spoiled fish or contamination during processing. It centers on a manufacturing problem with certain “easy open” pull-tab lids. These lids may fail to maintain a proper seal over time, creating conditions that could allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that cause botulism.
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Why Botulism Poses a Serious Risk
Botulism is rare, but it is one of the most dangerous forms of foodborne illness. The toxin attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis or breathing failure if not treated quickly.
One of the biggest risks with botulism is that the toxin cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. A can may look normal and still be unsafe. That is why both Tri-Union and federal regulators stress that affected products should not be eaten under any circumstances.
Products Included in the Recall
The expanded warning applies to specific Genova yellowfin tuna products identified by UPC numbers, can codes, and best-if-used-by dates. Only products that match these identifiers are included in the update.
The recalled items are:
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, 5 oz four-pack, with a best-if-used-by date in January 2028 and specific S84N can codes
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt, 5 oz, also dated January 2028 with a designated S88N can code
Consumers are advised to check both the UPC on the package and the printed code on the bottom of each can to confirm whether their product is affected.
Where the Recalled Tuna Was Sold
The mistakenly shipped products were distributed to a limited number of retail chains rather than nationwide.
According to the recall notice, affected cans were sold at:
- Meijer locations across several Midwestern states
- Giant Food stores in parts of the Mid-Atlantic
- Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores in California
This notice is tied to a broader recall announced in early 2025. That earlier action also involved easy open lid defects and included multiple brands produced by Tri-Union Seafoods.
At the time of both recalls, the company stated that no illnesses had been reported. The current update does not indicate any confirmed cases of botulism linked to the newly released products, but officials are acting out of caution due to the severity of the risk.
What to Do if You Have the Recalled Tuna
If you find a matching product in your pantry, do not open it and do not taste it. You can return the tuna to the store for a refund, dispose of it safely, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly. The company is offering retrieval kits and replacement coupons for affected customers.
Anyone who has already consumed the product and feels unwell should seek medical care right away. Symptoms linked to foodborne botulism can include blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, and trouble breathing.
This case highlights how food safety issues are not always tied to ingredients. Packaging failures, especially in sealed foods, can introduce risks long after a product leaves the factory. Because the affected tuna has best-if-used-by dates extending into 2028, it may still be sitting in home pantries. Checking shelf-stable foods after recall updates can help prevent serious health consequences.
For similar updates, check out our food recall news section.