Tri-Union Seafoods Identifies Additional Recalled Genova Tuna Due to Botulism Risk

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (January 19, 2026) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Tri-Union Seafoods is cautioning consumers about additional quantities of recalled Genova brand Yellowfin Tuna currently in the marketplace. This new alert was issued after the company discovered that a third-party distributor inadvertently released quarantined product associated with a previous recall from February 2025. The recalled cans may have a manufacturing defect in the “easy open” pull tab lid, which could compromise the seal and lead to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a pathogen that causes botulism.

Genova Tuna Recall Update: Quick Summary

Tri-Union Seafoods, based in El Segundo, California, has identified specific lots of Genova Yellowfin Tuna that were accidentally shipped to retailers despite being part of an earlier safety quarantine. These products were sold at major grocery chains including Meijer, Giant Foods, Safeway, and Albertsons across several states. The primary risk is the potential for the can seal to leak or allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum, which produces a deadly neurotoxin. Consumers are urged to check their pantries immediately for the specific codes listed below.

What Happened?

The FDA reported that this current recall action was initiated after Tri-Union Seafoods discovered that cases of tuna, which had been quarantined following a February 2025 recall, were mistakenly distributed by a third-party partner. The original recall was prompted by a supplier notification regarding a defect in the can lids that could cause the product to leak or break its seal over time.

The “easy open” lids on these specific cans may not prevent the entry of air or bacteria, creating an environment where botulism spores can germinate. The company confirmed that these inadvertent shipments went to limited retailers in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and California.

Affected Products

The recall applies to the following products found in 5.0 oz cans or 4-packs.

Product	UPC	Can Code	Best By Date	Distribution
Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (4 Pack)	4800073265	S84N D2L	01/21/2028	Meijer (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WI)
Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (4 Pack)	4800073265	S84N D3L	01/24/2028	Meijer (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WI)
Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt	4800013275	S88N D1M	01/17/2028	Giant (MD, VA); Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions (CA)

Note: The Can Code and Best By Date are printed on the bottom of the can.

What Caused the Issue?

The core issue is a process control failure at a third-party distributor, which allowed quarantined inventory to re-enter the supply chain. The underlying safety hazard is the manufacturing defect in the pull-tab lid. If a can seal is compromised, Clostridium botulinum can grow. This bacterium produces a potent neurotoxin that causes botulism, a rare but serious illness that attacks the body’s nerves.

Symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and muscle weakness. If untreated, it can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Questions You Might Have

1. I bought this last year. Is it affected?
   This specific alert concerns products re-distributed recently, but check the codes. If your can matches the codes above, do not eat it.
2. What if the can looks fine?
   Botulism toxin is odorless and tasteless. A can does not need to look damaged or bulging to be unsafe if the seal integrity is microscopic.
3. Where do I find the code?
   Look on the bottom of the individual can.
4. Are other Genova products recalled?
   Only the specific Yellowfin Tuna lots listed above are affected.
5. Has anyone gotten sick?
   No illnesses have been reported to date.
6. Can I cook it to make it safe?
   No. Do not open or cook the product. Dispose of it carefully or return it.
7. How do I get a refund?
   Return the product to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
8. Who is the distributor?
   Tri-Union Seafoods mentioned a “third-party distributor” but did not name them specifically in the press release.
9. Who is the manufacturer?
   Tri-Union Seafoods, a subsidiary of Thai Union Group.
10. Who can I contact?
    Contact Tri-Union Seafoods at [email protected] or call 833-374-0171.

Here’s What You Should Do

• Check your pantry: Look for Genova Yellowfin Tuna cans, specifically 4-packs or individual 5 oz cans.
• Verify the code: Flip the can over and check for S84N D2L, S84N D3L, or S88N D1M.
• Do not consume: If you have these codes, do not open the can.
• Return or Dispose: Return it to the retailer for a refund or contact the company for a retrieval kit.

Behind the Brand

Genova is a premium tuna brand owned by Tri-Union Seafoods, which is part of the global Thai Union Group. Known for its yellowfin and albacore fillets packed in olive oil, Genova positions itself as a high-quality, sustainable seafood choice. This recall incident, involving the accidental release of quarantined goods, highlights the complexities of modern logistics and the critical nature of inventory control in food safety.

Other Relevant Recalls

This alert follows a series of significant recalls in January 2026. Spring & Mulberry recently expanded its recall of Chocolate Bars due to Salmonella risks. Additionally, Diva Fam Inc. issued a recall for Sea Moss Gel due to potential botulism contamination, mirroring the biological risk found in the Genova tuna case.

Related Seafood Safety Alert: Genova Tuna (January 2026) In a supply chain error involving shelf-stable goods, Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a recall for specific lots of Genova Yellowfin Tuna due to botulism risks. Much like the process failures seen in other recent recalls, this incident was triggered when product previously quarantined for a lid defect—which could allow the deadly Clostridium botulinum toxin to form—was inadvertently released to retailers in the Midwest and California. For details on the specific 4-pack codes and Best By dates, read our full report: Tri-Union Seafoods Recalls Genova Tuna Due to Botulism Risk.

In a more recent botulism-related case, Tops Friendly Markets recalled all codes of Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic and Garland Fresh Peeled Garlic in April 2026 after a routine store inspection found the products were not held at the refrigeration temperatures required to control Clostridium botulinum growth. Unlike the Tri-Union case — where the risk arose from a packaging defect — the Tops recall stemmed from improper in-store storage conditions. Nevertheless, both cases carry the same critical warning: do not consume the product even if it looks or smells completely normal.

In another labeling-related incident, Outside The Breadbox recalled Bread Crumbs due to undeclared allergens, reminding consumers that risks can range from pathogens to hidden ingredients.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, noted:

“The re-release of quarantined product is a supply chain nightmare. It underscores that food safety isn’t just about manufacturing—it’s about rigorous oversight at every step of distribution. When a ‘hold’ fails, consumers are put at risk all over again.”

Ensuring Safe Eats

Botulism is a rare but deadly risk associated with canned and preserved foods. Consumers should always inspect cans for dents, leaks, or bulging lids. However, in cases like this where the defect may be subtle, checking lot codes against recall notices is the only way to be sure. Never taste food from a suspect can to check if it’s ‘good.’

For more information or to report a concern about a food product, you can visit our contact page at https://source86.com/contact/.