Tri-Union Seafoods announced a voluntary recall of canned tuna products, including the Genova, VanCamps, H-E-B and Trader Joe’s label names. The recall is due to a manufacturing defect in the can that may allow contamination or spoilage of the tuna. The product was sold in Trader Joe’s, Costco, Walmart, and independent retailers. People should check their pantries for the recalled tuna and return or throw it away even if it looks and smells normal.

The manufacturing defect affects the pull tab of the tuna can lid and could cause the tuna to be contaminated with the bacteria that produces a toxin called botulinum which causes Botulism.

Botulism is a rare but serious disease that attacks the nervous system and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and possibly death.

The bacteria that make the botulinum toxin are naturally occurring in many places but need very specific conditions to grow and produce botulinum. Botulinum toxin cannot be detected with smell, color, or taste.

Canned foods that are improperly sealed are ideal environments for this bacterium to make the toxin, which is why the tuna cans were recalled and should be returned to the store or thrown away.

No illnesses have been reported with this defect. The company will announce if any additional brands or lots have been affected.