The 2025 Tuna Recall: What You Need to Know About Canned Tuna Safety

 In early 2025, a major recall was issued for canned tuna products, causing concern among consumers across the United States. The recall, which involves several popular brands sold at major retailers, including Costco, has left shoppers questioning the safety of their pantry staples. If you’ve recently bought canned tuna, it’s important to understand the details of the recall and how it could affect you.

What Caused the Tuna Recall?

The recall, announced in January 2025, is primarily linked to the discovery of harmful bacteria in some canned tuna products. The contamination was identified during routine FDA inspections of products from Tri Union Seafoods, a company responsible for producing many well-known canned tuna brands. These include Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea, which are sold at retailers like Costco, Walmart, and grocery stores nationwide.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the affected tuna cans were found to contain elevated levels of histamine. Histamine, a chemical that can cause food poisoning-like symptoms, is produced when certain types of fish are not stored or processed correctly. The bacteria responsible for this is often present in poorly handled fish and can cause serious health risks if consumed.

Which Tuna Products Are Affected?

The recall affects several varieties of canned tuna, including both chunk and solid tuna. The most impacted brands are Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, and a few other private-label brands that were processed by Tri Union Seafoods. These products were sold at major grocery stores, including Costco, where they were popular among shoppers looking for affordable protein options.

The affected cans typically have “best by” dates between December 2024 and February 2025. Consumers should check the labels on their tuna cans to see if they match these dates. If you purchased tuna during this period, especially from Costco or other major retailers, it’s crucial to return the product to the store for a refund or dispose of it if you are not sure of its safety.

What Are the Risks of Eating Contaminated Tuna?

If you consume contaminated canned tuna, you could experience symptoms of histamine poisoning, also known as scombroid poisoning. This type of foodborne illness can cause symptoms similar to food poisoning, such as:

• Flushed skin or rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Headache or dizziness

While most people recover without long-term effects, some may experience more severe symptoms that require medical attention. If you or someone you know has consumed affected tuna and is experiencing symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.

How to Protect Yourself

The FDA has issued guidelines for consumers to help them avoid potentially contaminated canned tuna. The first step is to check your pantry for any canned tuna purchased between late 2024 and early 2025, especially if the product came from Costco or another major store. Look for the recall notice on the FDA website or contact the store where the product was bought for more information.

Additionally, if you suspect that you’ve purchased affected tuna but aren’t sure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and return the product. Retailers are offering refunds for recalled products, and some may also provide additional instructions on how to dispose of the cans safely.

What Happens Now for Tri Union Seafoods?

Tri Union Seafoods, the company responsible for the recall, is cooperating with the FDA to remove contaminated products from store shelves and prevent further issues. They have pledged to improve their processing methods to ensure that similar problems don’t occur in the future. The company is also working to implement more rigorous testing procedures to ensure the safety of their products going forward.

The recall has raised serious questions about the safety standards in the canned tuna industry, particularly around how fish is processed and stored. As consumers, it’s important to stay informed and continue to check for updates on the recall from the FDA.

What Should You Do if You’ve Been Affected by the Recall?

If you’ve purchased any of the affected tuna products, there’s no need to panic, but you should take the necessary steps to ensure your safety. The FDA has provided clear instructions for returning recalled products. If you’ve opened a can and eaten the tuna, watch for any signs of foodborne illness. If symptoms arise, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

In addition to the steps above, keep track of your purchases and make sure to review the recall list online for any further updates. Stay cautious and check any other seafood products you may have purchased recently, as recalls in the food industry are sometimes widespread.