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Genova Tuna Recall Lawsuit | 2026 Latest Updates

Tri-Union Seafoods expanded a recall involving Genova brand tuna products after identifying a packaging defect that could allow contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause botulism. Consumers who purchased the recalled tuna and experienced illness or related losses may wish to evaluate their legal options.

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Table of contents
  1. Latest Genova Tuna Recall Updates
  2. January 16, 2026: FDA Expands Genova Tuna Recall
  3. February 7, 2025: Tri-Union Seafoods Recalls Genova and Other Tuna Brands
  4. What Is Botulism?
  5. Which Genova Tuna Are Affected?
  6. Why Was Genova Tuna Recalled?
  7. Reported Incidents, Injuries, or Illnesses
  8. What Should Consumers Do?
  9. Legal Options
  10. Filing Deadlines
  11. Frequently Asked Questions
  12. What Are the Symptoms of Botulism?
  13. Is There a Genova Tuna Recall Lawsuit?
  14. Is There a Recall Number for the Genova Tuna Recall?
  15. Is Recalled Genova Tuna Still Safe to Eat If It Looks Fine?
  16. How Many Cans of Genova Tuna Were Recalled?
  17. Where Was the Recalled Genova Tuna Sold?
  18. References
Tri-Union Seafoods has expanded its voluntary recall of Genova brand canned tuna. The company first recalled select lots on February 7, 2025. It widened the recall again on January 16, 2026, after a distributor shipped quarantined tuna to several retailers. Two Genova Yellowfin Tuna products are part of this recall. Each can shows a code and a best-if-used-by date on the bottom. The hazard is possible Clostridium botulinum contamination from a defective pull-tab lid. That bacteria can cause a serious illness. Do not eat the recalled tuna, even if it looks and smells fine. Return it for a refund, throw it away, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods. Neither FDA notice marks the recall as closed.
Recall at a glance
  • Action type: Voluntary recall, expanded January 16, 2026
  • Announcement and initiation dates: Initiated February 7, 2025; expanded January 16, 2026
  • Company and responsible agency: Tri-Union Seafoods and the FDA
  • Recall or campaign number: Not stated in the notice
  • Affected models, lots, UPCs, serial numbers, or VINs: Two Genova Yellowfin Tuna items (UPC 4800073265, 4800013275); can code and Best if Used By date on the can bottom
  • Number of affected units: Not published
  • Sold at and sale period: Meijer (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, WI), Giant Foods (MD, VA), Safeway/Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions (CA); no sale period or price stated
  • Hazard: Potential Clostridium botulinum contamination from a pull-tab can lid defect that may compromise the seal
  • Reported incidents, injuries, illnesses, and deaths: No illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported
  • Remedy: Return for a full refund, discard, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods for a retrieval kit and replacement coupon

Latest Genova Tuna Recall Updates

January 16, 2026: FDA Expands Genova Tuna Recall

Tri-Union Seafoods said a third-party distributor had shipped previously quarantined Genova Yellowfin Tuna to stores. The cans reached Meijer locations in six states, Giant Foods in Maryland and Virginia, and Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions in California. The company reported the shipment on January 16, 2026. FDA published the notice on January 19, 2026 [1]. The recall stayed voluntary throughout the process.

February 7, 2025: Tri-Union Seafoods Recalls Genova and Other Tuna Brands

Tri-Union Seafoods first voluntarily recalled select canned tuna on February 7, 2025. The February 2025 FDA notice covered lots sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brands [2]. A supplier had found a defect in the pull-tab can lid that could allow the seal to leak, linked to possible Clostridium botulinum contamination. The company’s announcement did not report any illnesses at that point.

What Is Botulism?

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body’s nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death, according to the CDC [3]. The toxin is made by Clostridium botulinum and related bacteria. This recall involves a possible source of that toxin, and eating the recalled tuna could expose a person to it.

Which Genova Tuna Are Affected?

The recall covers two Genova Yellowfin Tuna products, sold in these package sizes and lots:
  • Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, 5.0 oz 4-Pack, UPC 4800073265, can codes S84N D2L and S84N D3L, Best if Used By 1/21/2028 and 1/24/2028
  • Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil With Sea Salt, 5.0 oz, UPC 4800013275, can code S88N D1M, Best if Used By 1/17/2028
The can code and Best if Used By date are printed on the bottom of each can. Compare both numbers against the list above before you use the tuna. Stores in nine states received the affected cans in January 2026, matching the retailer list shown in the box above.

Why Was Genova Tuna Recalled?

Genova Tuna was recalled because a supplier found a defect in the can’s pull-tab lid. The defect could break the seal that keeps each can airtight, especially over time. A broken seal can let bacteria enter the can. Those bacteria can grow without oxygen inside a sealed can. As they grow, they produce a toxin that causes botulism. That toxin attacks the nerves and can cause serious illness or death. Tri-Union Seafoods reported the defect and began the recall on February 7, 2025. The company widened the recall on January 16, 2026, after finding more affected tuna at additional stores.

Reported Incidents, Injuries, or Illnesses

The February 2025 notice reported no illnesses linked to the recalled tuna. The January 2026 notice does not mention illness status separately. Reports can still change as more people check their pantries against the recall and compare their cans to the February 2025 and January 2026 notices. An early finding of no illness does not rule out a case that surfaces later. Anyone who feels sick after eating the recalled tuna should call a doctor right away. Reporting the illness to a doctor or the FDA can help track new cases and confirm whether they are linked to this recall.
Were you or a family member hurt by this product?
Schmidt & Clark is reviewing potential claims for people who bought the recalled Genova tuna and became sick after eating it. A free case review does not promise eligibility or a specific outcome. Start My Free Case Review

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have the recalled Genova tuna at home, take these steps:
  1. Do not eat the tuna, even though it may look or smell normal.
  2. Check the bottom of the can for the code and date, then compare them to the recalled list.
  3. Return the tuna to the place of purchase for a full refund, or throw it away.
  4. Contact Tri-Union Seafoods at 833-374-0171 or support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, for a retrieval kit and a replacement coupon.
  5. Watch for the symptoms described in the CDC’s symptom guidance, such as blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, muscle weakness, or trouble breathing. Seek emergency care right away if they appear [4].
People who bought the recalled Genova tuna and got sick can have Schmidt & Clark review their situation. A recall does not automatically establish liability or eligibility for compensation. No lawsuit, class action, or MDL has been filed over this recall. If you or a family member got sick, you can also read more about a food poisoning lawsuit.

Filing Deadlines

Deadlines for a foodborne illness claim depend on state law and can be short. The clock can start on different dates: some states count from the day you got sick, others from the day of diagnosis. Missing one deadline can end a claim, no matter how strong the facts are. Anyone considering a claim should check with a lawyer soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Symptoms of Botulism?

The symptoms of botulism include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, blurry vision, slurred speech, and difficulty breathing. Botulism is a medical emergency, and anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor or go to the emergency room right away.

Is There a Genova Tuna Recall Lawsuit?

No Genova tuna recall lawsuit has been filed against Tri-Union Seafoods. No MDL has been formed for the recall either.

Is There a Recall Number for the Genova Tuna Recall?

No recall or campaign number appears in either FDA notice for the Genova tuna recall. That field is left blank in both filings, and no such number has since been added to either one.

Is Recalled Genova Tuna Still Safe to Eat If It Looks Fine?

Recalled Genova tuna is not safe to eat even if it appears normal. The bacteria that can grow inside a defective can may not change color or smell. Do not taste it to check.

How Many Cans of Genova Tuna Were Recalled?

Neither FDA notice states how many cans of Genova tuna were recalled. The total is left out of each filing, and no unit count has been published since either notice went out.

Where Was the Recalled Genova Tuna Sold?

The recalled Genova tuna was sold at different stores depending on the notice. The original 2025 recall reached retailers such as Costco, Kroger, Publix, and Walmart. The narrower 2026 notice named only Meijer, Giant Foods, and stores in the Safeway family.

References

  1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tri-union-seafoods-identifies-additional-quantities-of-recalled-genova-tuna-at-limited-retailers-due-to-inadvertent-distribution-of-previously-recalled-product-302663812.html
  2. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tri-union-seafoods-issues-recall-select-genovar-van-campsr-h-e-b-and-trader-joesr-tuna-cans-due
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/about/index.html
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/signs-symptoms/index.html