Walmart and Costco shoppers warned over huge contamination threat

Walmart, Costco and Trader Joe's customers have been issued a warning after an item was recalled over a major contamination risk.

Hundreds of food products are called back each year in the US, with the total number having increased by 15 percent between 2020 and 2024, according to figures from TraceOne.

Product recalls can be issued for a number of reasons, from design defects and labeling errors to potential health concerns which could impact large numbers of customers.

And now, a seafood company has made the decision to voluntarily recall a product due to a 'manufacturing defect'.

Tuna cans recalled

Some of Tri-Union Seafood's canned tuna products have been recalled (Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images)

Tri-Union Seafoods announced the voluntary recall of some of its products from various retailers on Friday (February 7).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a press release that items sold under its Genova, Van Camp's, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brands were called back after a defect with the cans' 'easy open' lids was discovered.

Customers have been urged not to eat the product, even if it 'does not look or smell spoiled'.

In their press release, the company warned that the lid defect could 'compromise the integrity of the product seal (especially over time), causing it to leak, or worse, be contaminated with clostridium botulinum'.

What is clostridium botulinum?

Foodborne botulism can be deadly if not treated (Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library/Getty Images)

Clostridium botulinum is a bacteria which can produce dangerous botulinum toxins.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it can 'grow and produce toxins in food prior to consumption', including vegetables and seafood.

Ingesting the bacteria can cause foodborne botulism, a condition that can include symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and vertigo. It is usually followed by blurred vision, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing and speaking.

It can be potentially fatal if not diagnosed rapidly and treated with antitoxin.

As of February 10, the company confirmed that no illnesses associated with the products had been reported.

However, the company has urged anyone feeling unwell to seek medical attention.

Where in the US the tuna cans were sold

The tuna cans were stocked at multiple major retailers, including Trader Joes (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

According to the press release, the Trader Joe’s labels were sold in stores across 19 states, including New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The Genova cans were sold in Costcos in Florida and Georgia as well as Harris Teeter, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent retailers in 10 different states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, and Georgia.

Meanwhile, the H-E-B label cans were sold at stores in Texas.

Tuna cans with the Van Camp’s label were sold at Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey.

All recalled products will have specific Best By dates and UPC numbers listed at the bottom of the cans, and you can see the ones which have been recalled here.

Tri-Union Seafoods said: "This recall does not impact any other Tri-Union Seafoods products, as no other product packaging was impacted by this potential defect.

"Tri-Union Seafoods is committed to upholding the highest safety and quality standards."