The FDA has issued an update for a massive recall of canned tuna that potentially contains bacteria known to cause paralysis.
The recall, issued by Tri-Union Seafoods in February, includes the Genova, Trader Joe’s, HEB, and Van Camp branded cans, has been upgraded to a Class II.
That means the canned tuna ‘may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.’
The issue stems from a faulty pull-up lid not secured properly during the manufacturing process, potentially allowing hazardous bacteria to seep into the tuna.
The issue affected five varieties of Genova canned tuna, five varieties of Trader Joe’s, two of Van Camp’s, and one H-E-B product. The products were distributed to stores in 25 states.
Tri-Union Seafoods advised all shoppers who purchased the items to return them for a full refund, throw them away, or contact the company for a retrieval kit and product coupon.
The company said the recall ‘was out of an abundance of caution’ after its supplier notified it about the faulty lid.
The defect ‘may compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time), causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning,’ Tri-Union Seafoods added.
Clostridium botulinum is a rod-shaped bacteria that produces lethal toxins under low-oxygen conditions that can cause botulism, leading to difficulty breathing, respiratory and muscle paralysis and in certain cases, death.
Botulism is a rare food poisoning that can affect one’s body within 12 to 36 hours after ingesting the affected food, according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
However, in some cases, symptoms have been recorded to begin between four and eight days after ingestion.
Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness are some of the early symptoms an individual can go through once they unintentionally ingest the poison.
This food poisoning can occasionally be fatal and be caused by respiratory failure or airway obstructions.
As of now, no illnesses or deaths have been reported due to ingesting the recalled tuna products.
The FDA’s noticed noted that 141,470 cases have been recalled, which were distributed nationwide.
The same bacteria was part of another recall last week after it was found in several varieties of pre-cut Japanese pickles.
Recalled Products
- Genova Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil (5-ounce can)
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (5-ounce can)
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (4-pack 5-ounce cans)
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (6-pack 7-ounce cans)
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt (5-ounce can)
- Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil (5-ounce can)
- Van Camp’s Solid Light Tuna in Oil (4-pack 5-ounce cans)
- Trader Joe’s Solid Light Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
- Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil
- Trader Joe’s Solid White Tuna in Water
- Trader Joe’s Solid White Water Low Sodium
- Trader Joe’s Solid White Water No Salt Added
- H-E-B Solid White Tuna in Water (4-pack 5-ounce cans)
Customers are being warned not to eat the veg made by California-based company Choshiya Honten Ltd due to the potential risk of Clostridium botulinum.
The products that have been recalled are Shiba Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Aokappa Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Fukushin Zuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Soft Tsubozuke Prepared Mix Vegetables, Rakkyo Zuke Prepared Vegetables and Choshiya’s Abura-Itame Zhasai Prepared Sichuan Vegetable.
All of the six of the products were distributed in Tokyo Central / Marukai stores located in San Diego, Torrance, Gardena, Los Angeles, Costa Mesa and West Covina in California.
In its recall notice, AKT Trading Inc assured buyers: ‘AKT Trading Inc. is committed to the safety and quality of its products and is taking this action out of an abundance of caution.
‘We are cooperating fully with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this matter.’