US: Walmart, Costco, others recall canned Tuna over fatal food poisoning risk

A major recall has been issued for canned tuna sold at major United States supermarkets, including Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Walmart, over a potentially fatal food poisoning risk.

The voluntary recall, announced by Tri-Union Seafoods on 7 February, affects canned tuna sold under the H-E-B and Trader Joe’s labels, as well as Genova and Van Camp’s brands. 

The recall was prompted after the company’s supplier discovered a manufacturing defect in the cans’ ‘easy open’ pull-tab lids.

The defect raises concerns about potential leakage and contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism—a rare but potentially fatal form of food poisoning. 

The issue impacts five varieties of Genova canned tuna, five of Trader Joe’s, two of Van Camp’s, and one H-E-B product, which were distributed to stores across 25 states. Other retailers stocking the affected products include Publix, Kroger, Safeway, and Harris Teeter.

Tri-Union Seafoods has urged customers who purchased the recalled tuna to return it for a full refund, dispose of it safely, or contact the company for a retrieval kit and product coupon.

Botulism can develop when Clostridium botulinum spores, commonly found in seafood, produce a neurotoxin. Symptoms can appear within 12 to 36 hours of ingestion, although in some cases, they may take up to eight days. 

Early signs include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, followed by more severe neurological effects such as double vision, loss of throat and mouth function, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, respiratory failure can be fatal.

As of now, no illnesses or deaths have been reported in connection with the recalled tuna products.

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