Costco Canned Tuna Recall: What Businesses Need to Know

In the fast-paced world of business, staying informed about product recalls is crucial.
A recent recall involving canned tuna sold at major retailers like Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and HEB highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive risk management.
TriUnion Seafoods initiated a voluntary recall due to a potential manufacturing defect that could compromise the safety of the tuna.
Let’s delve into what this recall means for businesses, the potential financial impact, and how to navigate such situations effectively.

The Core Issue: Botulism Risk

The recall stems from a manufacturing defect in the easy-open pull-tab lids of the cans.
This defect may affect the product’s seal, potentially leading to contamination with Clostridium botulinum.
But what exactly does this mean for your business?
Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that can produce a dangerous neurotoxin.
Ingesting this toxin can lead to botulism, a severe and potentially fatal form of food poisoning.
Symptoms, as outlined by the U.S.
FDA, include fatigue, weakness, vertigo, blurred vision, and difficulty in swallowing and speaking.
While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this specific recall as of yet, the risk is significant enough to warrant immediate action.

Which Brands Are Affected?

TriUnion Seafoods is recalling canned tuna sold under the following brand labels:

• Genova
• Van Camps
• HEB
• Trader Joes

These products were distributed across numerous states, impacting a broad consumer base.
Here’s a breakdown of where each brand was sold:

• HEB label: Texas.
• Trader Joes label: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
• Genova (Costco locations): Florida and Georgia.
• Genova (Harris Teeter, Publix, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent retailers): Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas.
• Van Camps label: Walmart and independent retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey.

Was your business impacted?
Knowing exactly which products are part of the costco canned tuna recall is essential for proper mitigation.

Identifying the Recalled Products

Identifying the specific cans involved in the recall is paramount.
Look for the following details on the can:

• UPC
• Can codes
• “Best if Used By” dates

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Genova

• Genova Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil
  • Can Code S94N 42K Best if Used By date 12122027
  • Can Code S94N 43K Best if Used By date 12122027
  • Can Code S94N 44K Best if Used By date 12122027
  • Can Code S94N D1L Best if Used By date 1242028
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
  • Can Code S84N D1N Best if Used By date 1132028
  • Can Code S84N D2M Best if Used By date 1172028
  • Can Code S84N 41M Best if Used By date 12132027
  • Can Code S84N 42M Best if Used By date 12132027
  • Can Code S84N 42N Best if Used By date 12132027
  • Can Code S84N 43N Best if Used By date 12132027
  • Can Code S84N D1L Best if Used By date 1212028
  • Can Code S84N D1L Best if Used By date 1232028
  • Can Code S84N D3L Best if Used By date 1242028
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
  • Can Code S84N D1D Best if Used By date 1212028
  • Can Code S84N D1D Best if Used By date 1232028
  • Can Code S84N D3D Best if Used By date 1232028
  • Can Code S84N D1D Best if Used By date 1272028
  • Can Code S84N D2D Best if Used By date 1272028
• Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt
  • Can Code S88N D1M Best if Used By date 1172028

Van Camps

• Van Camps Solid Light Tuna in Oil
  • Can Code S83N 45K Best if Used By date 1222027
  • Can Code S83N 45K Best if Used By date 1222027

Trader Joes

• Trader Joes Solid Light Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
  • Can Code S74N D2M Best if Used By date 1102028
• Trader Joes Solid White Tuna in Olive Oil
  • Can Code S94N D3N Best if Used By date 1132028
  • Can Code S94N D4N Best if Used By date 1132028
• Trader Joes Solid White Tuna in Water
  • Can Code S92N D1L Best if Used By date 192028
  • Can Code S92N D2L Best if Used By date 192028
• Trader Joes Solid White Water Low Sodium
  • Can Code S91N 41K Best if Used By date 12122027
  • Can Code S91N 43M Best if Used By date 12132027
  • Can Code S91N 44M Best if Used By date 12132027
• Trader Joes Solid White Water No Salt Added
  • Can Code S90N D2N Best if Used By date 182028
  • Can Code S90N D1M Best if Used By date 192028
  • Can Code S90N D2N Best if Used By date 192028

HEB

• HEB Solid White Tuna in Water
  • Can Code S9FA 45K Best if Used By date 12122027
  • Can Code S9FA 46K Best if Used By date 12122027

This detailed list ensures that businesses can quickly identify and remove potentially affected products from their shelves or inventory.

Recommended Actions for Businesses

If your business has any of the recalled products, here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Stop Selling: Immediately remove all recalled tuna cans from shelves and inventory.
2. Notify Customers: Inform customers who may have purchased the affected products.
   Consider posting notices in your store or sending email alerts.
3. Return or Dispose: Follow TriUnion Seafoods’ instructions: return the product to the retailer for a full refund, throw it away, or contact TriUnion Seafoods directly for a retrieval kit and a coupon for a replacement product.
4. Contact TriUnion Seafoods: Call them at 833-374-0171 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.
   to 5:00 p.m.
   ET) for further guidance and support.

Financial Implications for Businesses

Product recalls, such as this costco canned tuna recall, can have significant financial ramifications for businesses, irrespective of their scale.
Let’s break down some potential costs:

• Direct Costs: These include the cost of removing the recalled products from shelves, handling returns, and providing refunds.
• Indirect Costs: This encompasses the cost of notifying customers, potential legal fees, and reputational damage.
• Lost Sales: Removing products from sale inevitably leads to lost revenue.

Businesses must accurately assess these costs to implement adequate mitigation strategies.

The Bigger Picture: Food Recalls in 2024

This tuna recall is just one of several food recalls that have occurred recently in the U.S.
In January, the FDA issued a recall for baked goods from FGF, LLC, due to potential Listeria contamination.
Last month, D.
Coluccio & Sons recalled Colussi Cantuccini Chocolate Drops because they may contain undeclared almonds.
These recalls underscore the importance of stringent quality control measures and proactive monitoring.

Is there a trend developing?
Absolutely.
It highlights the constant need for vigilance in the food industry.

What to Do If You Feel Unwell

TriUnion Seafoods urges consumers not to eat the recalled product, even if it does not look or smell spoiled.
If you suspect you have consumed contaminated tuna and are experiencing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, double vision, or difficulty swallowing, seek medical attention immediately.
Time is of the essence when it comes to botulism.
Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

TriUnion Seafoods’ Response

According to a press release, TriUnion Seafoods initiated the recall on February 7 after being informed by its supplier about the manufacturing defect in the can lids.
The company emphasizes its commitment to upholding the highest safety and quality standards.
This recall does not affect any other TriUnion Seafoods products, as no other product packaging was impacted by the defect.

Botulism: A Deeper Dive

Botulism, caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, is a rare but severe illness.
The toxin attacks the body’s nerves, causing difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and other neurological symptoms.
In some cases, botulism can be fatal.
While foodborne botulism is the most common form, it can also occur through wound infections and infant botulism.
Symptoms typically appear between 12 and 36 hours after consuming contaminated food but can range from a few hours to several days.
Early symptoms include:

• Double vision
• Blurred vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Muscle weakness

If left untreated, botulism can lead to paralysis of the respiratory muscles, requiring mechanical ventilation.
Prompt medical intervention is crucial for survival.

Protecting Your Business Reputation

A crucial aspect of handling recalls is protecting your business’s reputation.
Transparency and swift action are vital.
Here are some tips:

• Communicate Clearly: Provide clear and concise information to your customers about the recall, affected products, and steps they should take.
• Be Empathetic: Show empathy and understanding towards customers who may be concerned about the recall.
• Offer Solutions: Provide easy and accessible solutions for customers, such as refunds, replacements, or information about potential health risks.
• Be Proactive: Don’t wait for customers to contact you; proactively reach out to them with information about the recall.

By taking these steps, you can mitigate the reputational damage associated with a product recall and maintain customer trust.

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Preventative Measures

The best way to minimize the impact of recalls is to implement robust preventative measures.
Here are some strategies businesses can adopt:

• Supplier Audits: Conduct thorough audits of your suppliers to ensure they meet your quality and safety standards.
• Quality Control: Implement rigorous quality control procedures throughout your supply chain.
• Traceability Systems: Invest in traceability systems that allow you to quickly identify the source of any contamination or defect.
• Employee Training: Provide regular training to employees on food safety practices and recall procedures.
• Insurance Coverage: Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage to protect your business against the financial losses associated with recalls.

By investing in these preventative measures, businesses can reduce the risk of recalls and protect their bottom line.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Costco Canned Tuna Recall

What is the main reason for the Costco canned tuna recall?

The recall is due to a potential manufacturing defect in the easy-open pull-tab lids of the cans, which could compromise the seal and potentially lead to contamination with Clostridium botulinum.

Which brands are affected by this recall?

The recall includes canned tuna sold under the Genova, Van Camps, HEB, and Trader Joes brand labels.

What are the symptoms of botulism poisoning?

Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, vertigo, blurred vision, and difficulty in swallowing and speaking.
Immediate medical attention is required if these symptoms appear after consuming the recalled product.

Where were the affected products sold?

The products were distributed across numerous states.
HEB label in Texas; Trader Joes label in multiple states including Delaware, Illinois, and New York; Genova (Costco locations) in Florida and Georgia; Genova in other retailers across Alabama, Arkansas, and California; Van Camps label in Walmart and other retailers in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey.

What should businesses do if they have recalled products in their inventory?

Businesses should immediately stop selling the recalled products, notify customers, and follow TriUnion Seafoods’ instructions to return the product for a full refund, dispose of it, or contact TriUnion Seafoods for retrieval.

Final Thoughts on the Tuna Recall

Staying informed and taking prompt action during product recalls is paramount for safeguarding public health and protecting your business reputation.
This incident highlights the significance of vigilance, robust quality control measures, and the implementation of preventative strategies.

Next Steps for Businesses Affected by the Recall

• Review Inventory: Cross-reference your current tuna inventory with the list of recalled products.
• Communicate with Suppliers: Contact TriUnion Seafoods and your suppliers to understand the full scope of the recall and necessary actions.
• Enhance Quality Control: Re-evaluate your quality control procedures and supplier audits to prevent similar incidents in the future.