January 21st, 2026 (Chicago, IL) – Recalled Yellowfin tuna linked to a potential botulism risk was inadvertently shipped to retail stores in multiple U.S. states, raising serious food safety concerns for consumers. The canned tuna was part of an active recall issued in February 2025, but Tri-Union Seafoods confirmed that a third-party distributor mistakenly released the affected Genova Yellowfin Tuna products into the marketplace despite the recall being in effect.
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The recalled tuna may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a dangerous foodborne bacterium that can produce botulinum toxin under low-oxygen conditions commonly found in sealed cans. Contaminated products may not show visible signs of spoilage, such as odor, discoloration, or bulging packaging.
Health officials are urging consumers not to eat the recalled tuna under any circumstances. Anyone who has already consumed the product and is experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness should seek medical attention immediately.
If you were harmed after eating recalled tuna, contact Ankin Law to learn whether you may have legal options. Call 312-600-0000 for a free consultation.
What Recalled Tuna Products Were Distributed?
According to the FDA notice, the tuna products that were mistakenly distributed were a part of the initial 2025 Yellowfin tuna recall. They are:
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (4-Pack)
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt
Both are 5.0 oz cans with a gold label. The affected cans were distributed to the following areas:
- Meijer: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin
- Giant Foods: Maryland and Virginia
- Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions: California
The Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil has a UPC code of 4800073265 with can codes S84N D2L and S84N D3L. Expiry dates found on the cans include 01/21/2028 and 01/24/2028.
The Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a UPC code of 4800013275 and a can code of S88N D1M. 1/17/2028 is the expiry date found on the can.
If you have an affected product in your possession, throw it away immediately or return it to your place of purchase for a refund. Additionally, you can contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product.
Do not eat the product, even if it looks and smells fine. Botulinum toxin can be present without visible signs of spoilage.
Why Were the Products Recalled in 2025?
The initial voluntary recall, initiated in February 2025, was due to the discovery of a defect in the cans that compromised the integrity of the seal, especially over time. This could cause leakage, or worse, contamination from clostridium botulinum.
What Is Clostridium Botulinum?
Clostridium botulinum is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that has the ability to produce botulinum toxin, a deadly neurotoxin that has been recorded to be the deadliest substance ever recorded in the chemical literature. Botulinum toxin can cause botulism, which is a severe flaccid paralytic disease in humans and other animals.
Clostridium botulinum is a common cause of bulging food packaging, due to the pressure from the gasses released by the bacteria. However, contaminated food does not always show obvious symptoms.
What Is Botulism?
Botulism is a rare, sometimes fatal, illness caused by the botulinum toxin. The disease can be spread in multiple ways. The bacteria which causes it can exist in soil and water, and will produce the toxin when exposed to low oxygen levels and certain temperatures. Additionally, the toxin can grow on food, and when ingested, can infect a person with the bacteria. It can also grow in the intestines of infants, and in wounds.
The illness starts with feelings of weakness, blurred vision, fatigue, and trouble speaking. These symptoms are often followed by arm weakness, weakness of the chest muscles, and weakness of the legs. Infected individuals may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal swelling.
Risk factors for botulism include improperly canned, fermented, or preserved food, injection drug use, honey consumption in infants, contaminated wounds, and high dosage injections of the toxin for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes.
What Damages Can I Claim if I Became Sick?
If the recalled Yellowfin tuna made you ill, you may be entitled to compensation through a product liability claim. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:
- Economic Damages: Also known as special damages, these encompass lost wages, medical bills, lost earning capacity, and more. These are your tangible losses you incurred due to your illness.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are known as general damages, and they include PTSD, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are often harder to quantify than economic damages.
- Punitive Damages: In some rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the negligent party is found to have been particularly egregious in their neglect.
If a loved one passed away due to complications from foodborne illness, you may also be awarded wrongful death damages, which cover expenses such as funeral costs, past medical expenses, and lost future income.
Call Ankin Law Today
At Ankin Law, we are injury law made personal. Our law firm has what it takes to go against these negligent companies when their actions cause you harm. We don’t settle for less, and we don’t back down until you get fair compensation for your losses. When you work with Ankin Law, our attorneys will be there for you 24/7 for legal support while offering you personalized and professional representation tailored to your case and your specific needs.
What If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
At Ankin Law, we offer free consultations and operate on a contingency fee structure. What this means is that you owe no up front legal fees and pay nothing unless we win your case. This makes justice more obtainable to injured people.
Contact us online or call 312 600-0000 to get started.
