Are you eating toxic canned goods? Major recall at Trader Joe’s, Walmart—Check your pantry immediately!

In an age where convenience often trumps all, canned goods have become a staple in American pantries, offering quick meal solutions and long shelf lives.

However, the recent recall of canned tuna from popular retailers like Trader Joe's and Walmart serves as a reminder that even our go-to pantry items can pose unexpected risks.

If you're a fan of this easy protein source, it's time to pause and inspect your shelves—your health could depend on it.



Tri-Union Seafoods, a subsidiary of the global seafood giant Thai Union Group, has issued a voluntary recall of select canned tuna products.

"This voluntary recall is out of an abundance of caution following the notification from our supplier that the 'easy open' pull tab can lid on limited products encountered a manufacturing defect that may compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time), causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning," the company said, warning consumers not to eat the product "even if it does not look or smell spoiled" and advising any consumers who are feeling sick to "seek immediate medical attention."


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Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall of canned tuna due to potential botulism contamination caused by a can defect. Image source: CBS19 / Youtube.



The recall was initiated due to a can defect that could lead to botulism contamination—a serious and potentially fatal form of food poisoning. The affected products were sold under several brand names, including Genova, Van Camp's, H-E-B, and Trader Joe's.

Botulism is no small matter. It's a rare but severe condition caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves, leading to difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death if not treated promptly and properly.



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that botulism spores can thrive and produce toxins under certain conditions, such as in improperly canned or preserved foods.

"The bacteria that make botulinum toxin are found naturally in many places, but it's rare for them to make people sick. These bacteria make spores, which act like protective coatings. Spores help the bacteria survive in the environment, even in extreme conditions," the CDC stated.

Symptoms of botulism can be alarming, ranging from difficulty swallowing and muscle weakness to double vision and slurred speech.

According to the agency, “improperly home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods can provide the right conditions for spores to grow and make botulinum toxin.”

Also read: Are you eating contaminated sausage? 17,000 pounds recalled – find out if you're at risk!



If you experience any of these symptoms, especially after consuming canned goods, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

The recall spans multiple states and retailers. Here's a breakdown of where the impacted products were distributed:
  • H-E-B label: Texas
  • Trader Joe's label: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.
  • Genova 7 oz.: Costco in Florida and Georgia
  • Genova 5 oz.: Harris Teeter, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and various independent retailers across Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas
  • Van Camp's label: Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey
The recalled tuna products have specific can codes and “Best if Used By” dates. Consumers are urged to check the bottom of their cans against the full list of UPC numbers provided by the FDA.

If you find that you have a recalled can, you should not consume the product, even if it appears normal. Instead, you can return it to the retailer for a full refund, dispose of it safely, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods for further instructions.


Source: CBS19 / Youtube.​


Tri-Union Seafoods has reassured the public that no other products have been affected by this defect and that they are committed to maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

They offer support via email at [email protected] and by phone at (833) 374-0171 during business hours.

As per Tri-Union Seafoods, no illnesses have been reported with the products so far. "This recall does not impact any other Tri-Union Seafoods products, as no other product packaging was impacted by this potential defect," the company announced. "Tri-Union Seafoods is committed to upholding the highest safety and quality standards."

Also read:

Key Takeaways

  • Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall of canned tuna due to potential botulism contamination caused by a can defect.
  • The recalled products were sold under various brand names, including Genova, Van Camp's, H-E-B and Trader Joe's, at a range of retailers across multiple states.
  • Consumers who have purchased the affected canned tuna are advised not to consume it and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of botulism.
  • Symptoms of botulism can be severe and include muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and paralysis, leading to a medical emergency.

Have you checked your pantry yet? Do you have any tips for keeping track of food recalls? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
 
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