Orlando, FL — FDA Warning: Tuna Recalled Over Faulty Lids, Botulism Risk

Orlando, FL (February 13th, 2025) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced the recall of select cans of tuna distributed by Tri-Union Seafoods LLC. The affected products sold, under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brands, were voluntarily recalled due to possible contamination that could pose health risks to consumers

At Magazine & Light Law Group, we know our fellow Floridians expect their food to be safe when purchased, which is why we closely monitor dangerous food recalls and FDA warnings. If you suffered serious illness or your loved one died because of a dangerous or defective food product, contact our law firm today. We will help you explore your options for recovering compensation and holding negligent food manufacturers and retailers accountable. 

What Food Products Are Involved?

On February 7th, 2025, Tri-Union Seafoods initiated a voluntary recall of specific batches of canned tuna. According to the FDA food product recall, this is a precautionary measure after a supplier notified the manufacturer about a defect in the easy open pull-tab lids. The defect may compromise the integrity of the product seal, particularly over time. Consequently, the cans may leak or become contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal bacterium. 

Botulism can cause severe illness, and consumers are warned not to use the product even if it doesn’t look or smell spoiled. The recall was issued out of an abundance of caution, and no illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported. 

The recalled products include:

• Genova: Select five-ounce cans of solid light tuna in olive oil
• Van Camp’s: Select five-ounce cans of chunk light tuna in water and oil
• H-E-B: Select five-ounce cans of chunk light tuna in water and oil
• Trader Joe’s: Select five-ounce cans of solid white albacore tuna in water

Consumers are urged to check their pantries for the affected products by looking for the “Best By” dates and lot codes provided in the FDA recall announcement.

Health Risks Associated With Contaminated Tuna

The primary concern associated with the defective lids is the possibility of botulinum toxin contamination. Botulinum toxin is one of the most potent toxins known, and can cause botulism, a potentially fatal illness. Symptoms of botulism may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle weakness
• Slurred speech
• Blurred or double vision
• Paralysis

In severe cases, botulism can result in respiratory failure or death if untreated. Additionally, improperly sealed cans may also foster the growth of other harmful bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes, both of which can cause serious gastrointestinal distress. 

Individuals with weakened immune systems, older adults, young children, and pregnant women face the highest risk of complications from foodborne illnesses.

Consumer Action Steps

The FDA advises consumers to take the following precautions to protect yourself from dangerous defective products:

Check Labels

Identify the recalled products by comparing the “Best By” dates and lot codes with those listed in the official FDA announcement. 

Do Not Consume

Consumers should avoid eating any of the affected tuna, even if it appears safe. 

Dispose of Recalled Products

If consumers have affected products in their homes, they should safely discard them. Alternatively, they may return them to the point of purchase for a refund.

Watch for Symptoms

If they consumed the recalled tuna, consumers should monitor for signs of botulism and other foodborne illnesses.

Seek Medical Attention

Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical care. Doing so may ensure they receive prompt treatment for their symptoms, which may help limit complications, and establishes a medical record of their illness and link to the contaminated tuna. 

Legal Implications of Defective Food Products

This recall underscores the legal responsibility of food manufacturers to maintain stringent safety standards. Under the Food Safety Modernization Act, manufacturers must implement preventative controls to minimize contamination risks. When defects like compromised can seals occur, companies can face legal liability if consumers are harmed.

Consumers who become ill from contaminated food may have legal grounds to file claims under various theories of liability, including:

Product Liability

Food manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe for consumption. Defective packaging that leads to contamination may give rise to product liability claims.

Negligence

If a company neglects maintenance protocols, quality control, or necessary safety measures, it can be held accountable for any resulting harm. 

Breach of Warranty

Consumers expect that food products will be safe when purchased. A product compromised due to manufacturing defects may constitute a breach of this implied warranty.

Steps for Pursuing a Food Contamination Claim

If you or a loved one has consumed the recalled tuna and subsequently developed symptoms, consider taking the following steps:

Seeking Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Therefore, you should seek immediate medical care if you experience symptoms.

Preserving Evidence

Consumers may need to prove they’ve eaten the contaminated tuna. Therefore, they should retain any uneaten product, along with packaging that includes the lot number and expiration date.

Documenting Symptoms and Treatment

 If you think you consumed the recalled tuna, you should keep a record of your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. To this end, you may gather medical records, such as office notes, lab results, and procedure reports, and keep a journal.

Reporting the Incident

To help track issues resulting in foodborne illnesses, and prevent others from getting sick, you should notify the FDA and your local health department. 

Consulting a Lawyer

A legal professional may help determine whether you have a valid claim. Therefore, it may be helpful, if you have consumed the contaminated tuna, to consult with a Clearwater defective products lawyer.

Did You Become Sick After Consuming Recalled Tuna? Magazine & Light Law Group Can Help

Consumers depend on food manufacturers, and manufacturers have an obligation to make sure their products are safe for consumption. If you or a loved one became sick after eating the recalled tuna, or another contaminated food product, you may be entitled to compensation.Our personal injury lawyers at Magazine & Light Law Group aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for victims and their families. We aid people like you with recovering damages for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With more than 30 years of experience, board-certified injury lawyer Jim Magazine is committed to helping hold negligent food manufacturers financially responsible for the harm they cause. Call us today at 727-499-9900 for a FREE initial consultation.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association