WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) says a canned tuna product with a defect that could cause botulism was inadvertently shipped to stores.

Previously quarantined cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna from Tri-Union Seafoods were inadvertently shipped by a third party distributor to multiple retail stores.

The voluntary recall was started after the company learned that the “easy open” pull tab can lid on limited products had a manufacturing defect from the supplier that could compromise the integrity of the product seal.

The defect could cause leakage or be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.

Products were shipped to:

• Meijer Stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin
• Giant Foods stores in Maryland and Virginia
• Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions stores in California

The recalled products, with UPC, Can Code and best by dates are listed below.

• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz 4 Pack, UPC: 4800073265 Can Code: S84N D2L Best if Used By Date: 1/21/2028
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil 5.0 oz 4 Pack, UPC: 4800073265 Can Code: S84N D3L Best if Used By Date: 1/24/2028
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt 5.0 oz UPC: 4800013275 Can Code: S88N D1M Best if Used By Date: 1/17/2028

If you have a recalled tuna can, the FDA says to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, throw it away, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product.

Consumers can contact Tri-Union Seafoods at support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com or 833-374-0171, if they have any questions or to request replacement product.

The toll-free number hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.