A simple sandwich shouldn’t be a gamble with your life, but for residents in nine states, the pantry staple in their kitchen could be a ticking time bomb. The FDA has issued a frantic update after a third-party distributor accidentally shipped thousands of cans of recalled Genova Yellowfin Tuna that were supposed to be destroyed due to a fatal botulism risk. These cans, originally pulled in February 2025 because of a manufacturing defect in the “easy-open” lids, have somehow found their way onto store shelves at major retailers. This is a massive failure of the supply chain that puts you directly in the crosshairs of one of the deadliest toxins known to man. Here is exactly what you need to look for to avoid the Fatal Botulism Risk.
The 9 States and Retailers Under the Red Alert
This isn’t a localized issue. The contaminated tuna was shipped to Meijer locations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Additionally, it hit Giant Foods in Maryland and Virginia, as well as Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions in California.
If you shop at any of these chains, you must stop what you are doing and check your pantry. The error occurred when quarantined stock was mistakenly loaded onto delivery trucks. This is a catastrophic breakdown in safety protocols that highlights how easily a “shadow” risk can re-enter your home.
How to Identify the Recalled Cans
The Fatal Botulism Risk is associated with two specific products: the 5.0 oz four-pack of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil (UPC 4800073265) and the 5.0 oz single can of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt (UPC 4800013275).
Honestly, looking at the can isn’t enough. You must check the codes on the bottom. Look for Can Codes S84N D2L, S84N D3L, or S88N D1M with “Best By” dates in January 2028. If your cans match these numbers, they are part of the accidental shipment. Do not open them. Do not even smell them. The botulism toxin is odorless and tasteless, but it is lethal.
The Symptoms of a Medical Emergency
Botulism is a rare but severe illness that attacks the body’s nerves. Early symptoms include double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. It can quickly progress to muscle paralysis and respiratory failure.
Surprisingly, symptoms can appear within six hours or take several days to develop. If you or anyone in your family has consumed this tuna and feels even slightly unwell, seek emergency medical care immediately. There is an antitoxin, but it must be administered quickly to be effective. This is not a situation where you wait for a doctor’s appointment.
The Supply Chain Failure
This event exposes a terrifying reality: once a product is recalled, it doesn’t always disappear. A single mistake by a third-party logistics company can bypass the FDA’s safeguards. You are the final line of defense for your family’s safety.
On the other hand, the manufacturer, Tri-Union Seafoods, is offering full refunds and retrieval kits. But a refund is cold comfort when facing a Fatal Botulism Risk. Demand better from your retailers and stay vigilant about the lot codes on every canned product you buy. Your safety is in your hands.
Safety First, Always
Your pantry should be a place of nourishment, not a source of danger. Use this incident as a prompt to do a full sweep of your canned goods. Check the dates, check the seals, and if there is even a hint of a dent or a leak, toss it. The system failed this time, but your vigilance can ensure your family stays safe. Don’t take a chance on a compromised seal—it simply isn’t worth it.
Did you find any of the recalled codes in your kitchen? Let us know which store you bought them from in the comments to help others stay safe.
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