Every kitchen may have canned tuna in the pantry. It’s easy and affordable. But in 2025 and into 2026, there has been an important canned tuna recall you should know about. Some products sold at big stores like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart were recalled because of a problem that could make people sick. This article explains the recall in simple, clear terms. We want you to stay informed and safe when buying or eating canned tuna.
What Is the Canned Tuna Recall?
The canned tuna recall happened because certain tuna cans may not have been sealed correctly. A loose seal could let harmful bacteria grow inside the can. Government agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) help track and list recalls so you can check your food.
Why Is There a Botulism Risk in Canned Tuna?
The main issue was a defect with the cans’ pull-tab lids. This problem means that air could get inside. If air enters, it can allow Clostridium botulinum bacteria to grow. This bacterium produces toxins that can cause botulism, a serious illness.
What Is Botulism and Why Is It Dangerous?
Botulism is a rare but serious type of food poisoning. It affects the nerves and can make it hard to move or breathe if someone eats contaminated food. That is why the FDA and manufacturer issued the botulism risk canned tuna recall — even though no illnesses were reported at the time of the original announcement.
Which Brands Are Part of the Recalled Tuna List?
Several brands were included in the canned tuna recall list. They include:
- Genova canned tuna recall products
- Trader Joe’s canned tuna recall items
- H-E-B canned tuna recall
- Van Camp’s canned tuna recall
These were sold at many grocery stores.
Costco Canned Tuna Recall — What You Should Know
Some Genova tuna cans sold at Costco were part of the recall. This makes the canned tuna recall Costco an important phrase for people who shop there. The affected products were sold in specific states, so always check your pantry and compare UPC codes to the official FDA list.
Trader Joe’s & Costco Canned Tuna Recall Together
You might see the phrase canned tuna recall Costco Trader Joe’s because both stores sold some of the same recalled products. Trader Joe’s labels were among those affected by the faulty seal issue.
Walmart and Other Store Recalls
The Walmart canned tuna recall also occurred. Some recalled products under the Van Camp’s label were sold at Walmart. That means shoppers at Walmart should also check their cans.
FDA’s Role in the Canned Tuna Recall
The FDA canned tuna recall list is the best place to see official codes, lot numbers, and “best by” dates for affected cans. The FDA publishes updates when foods have a health risk, making it easier for shoppers to find recalled items.
Canned Tuna Recall 2025: What Happened
The big recall started in early 2025 because defective lids could break the seal. This made the product susceptible to botulism contamination. The company and the FDA acted quickly to remove these products from shelves.
Updated 2026 Recall Notice
In 2026, the FDA issued a fresh alert after some previously recalled tuna was accidentally shipped to stores in nine states. This means even if you thought the issue was done, you should check again.
What Should You Do If You Bought Recalled Tuna?
If you find cans on your shelf that match the recall list:
- Don’t open or eat the tuna.
- Return the cans to the store for a refund.
- Throw them away safely.
- Contact the manufacturer for help, a return kit, or a coupon.
These steps help keep you and your family safe.
How to Prevent Botulism From Canned Foods
Botulism risk can happen with any canned food that leaks, bulges, or looks damaged. Always inspect cans before buying or eating them. If anything seems off, don’t take a risk — check the FDA recall lists.
Personal Insight: Why It Matters
As someone who shops for family meals often, having a recall hit a pantry staple is stressful. But it also shows how safety systems work to protect us. Good labeling and checking lists can make a big difference. Checking recall lists regularly is a smart habit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main cause of the canned tuna recall?
The recall happened because of a faulty pull-tab lid that could let bacteria enter the can.
2. Can botulism happen from recalled tuna?
Yes — Clostridium botulinum causes botulism if contaminated tuna is eaten. That’s why the recall is serious.
3. Which stores sold the recalled tuna?
Stores include Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Harris Teeter, and H-E-B.
4. Are all canned tuna brands affected?
No — only specific lots of Genova, Trader Joe’s, Van Camp’s, and H-E-B tuna were affected. Check the FDA’s recall list to be sure.
5. What if the can looks normal?
Even if it looks and smells fine, you should not eat it if it’s on the recall list.
6. How do I check if my tuna can is part of the recall?
Visit the FDA website and search the recall list for UPC codes and “best by” dates.
Conclusion
The canned tuna recall in 2025 and 2026 shows how important food safety is. If you have cans from Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, or other stores, check the recall list. Stay informed, return recalled products, and always put your family’s health first. If you have questions or need help checking your tuna cans, it’s a good idea to reach out to the store or look at the FDA’s recall page. Stay safe and healthy!
