Tri-Union Seafoods canned tuna recalled in nine states as FDA warns it could cause 'potentially fatal' food poisoning

Cans of mistakenly distributed tuna fish have been recalled across nine US states over fears of a potentially deadly food poisoning risk.

Affordable and packed with essential nutrients, canned tuna is a kitchen cupboard staple.

But if you have any in stock, then you better double check before digging in, because the FDA has issued a recall of Genova Yellowfin Tuna from Tri-Union Seafoods amid risks it could be contaminated with clostridium botulinum.

Six grocery store chains accidentally stocked the products, which had initially been recalled and quarantined last February, after they were somehow distributed by a third party.

The initial recall was due to the can's easy open-pull tab having become defective, meaning the cans could've leaked or become polluted with a 'potentially fatal' form of food poisoning.

As the World Health Organization explains, Clostridium botulinum can cause botulism, which impacts the nervous system and can cause severe symptoms, which are 'not caused by bacterium itself, but by the toxin produced by the bacterium'.

Issues were initially reported with the can's ring pull (Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images)

Early symptoms might begin with fatigue, weakness and vertigo, followed by blurred vision, dry mouth and difficulty in swallowing and speaking. Vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal swelling might also be signs.

"The disease can progress to weakness in the neck and arms, after which the respiratory muscles and muscles of the lower body are affected," the WHO adds.

Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 36 hours after exposure.

Which stores and states have been impacted?

Meijer is one of the six grocery stores affected (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Six supermarkets across nine different states have been impacted by the recall. Meijer shoppers across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin should double check their cans.

So too should those who shop at either Safeway, Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions in California.

Giant Foods customers in Maryland and Virginia are also impacted.

Which Genova Yellowfin Tuna cans have been recalled?

Think twice before rustling up some tuna pasta tonight (Noemi Toscano/Getty Images)

Two types of Genova Yellowfin Tuna cans have been recalled.

One is the four packs of 5-ounce cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil, with the UPC number 4800073265. The can codes to look out for are S84N D2L and S84N D3L. The former have a best used by date of January 21 2028, while the second is list January 24 2028.

The other affected product is five ounce-cans of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt. These have the UPC number 4800013275 and the can code S88N D1M, with a best before date of January 17 2028.

"Consumers should not use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled," the FDA warns. "Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention."

Customers can return their recalled cans to their original point of purchase for a full refund.

Alternatively, they can throw it out or contact Tri-Union Seafoods for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product via [email protected] or 833-374-0171.