Certain lots of canned tuna sold under several brands, including Genova, have been recalled because there’s a risk they may be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, the manufacturer Tri-Union Seafoods announced.
No one has become ill, and no other products produced by Tri-Union Seafoods are affected.
In the announcement, the company says that the “easy open” pull tab lid on some of the cans is defective and the cans may not be properly sealed. “When a can is damaged, it creates the opportunity for the botulism bacteria to grow,” says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports. “Signs of damage to the can include cracks, bulging, and leaking, but if you bought the recalled tuna, you should not eat it even if the packaging looks okay, or the tuna smells and looks fine when you open it.” Return the recalled products for a refund or throw them out.
The recalled tuna is Genova Yellow Fin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt, 5 oz. Sold 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.
If you bought these brands of tuna at any of these locations, check the “Best if used by” dates, UPC numbers, and can codes against the list of recalled items on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.
