Tuna Recall: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Introduction

In fact, last year alone there were over 2 million cans of tuna recalled in the US. That’s a staggering figure for something as simple as canned tuna. Even though many of us view tuna as a healthy, reliable snack (and pantry staple), recent recalls have highlighted the potential health risks involved. In this article, we will take a closer look at the reasons for these recalls, what these recalls mean for you as a consumer, and how to avoid making unsafe choices when buying and eating tuna. By the end, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to stay safe, informed and confident when it comes to buying and eating tuna.

What is a Tuna Recall?

In essence, a tuna recall occurs when manufacturers, distributors, or regulatory agencies determine that a batch (or specific lot) of tuna might pose a health hazard. And it can involve everything from contamination with dangerous bacteria or parasites to mislabeling or other problems that might affect consumers’ health. When a recall is announced, the affected products are pulled from the stores and consumers are advised to throw them away or return them, so that they don’t cause injury.

Why Do Tuna Recalls Happen?

There are several reasons for tuna to be recalled. Here are some of its more prevalent causes:

• Bacterial Contamination: Seafood can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum that causes botulism. This bacteria thrives in low-oxygen settings, so improperly sealed cans can present a risk.

• Parasites: Tuna can harbor parasites, including tapeworms, that are dangerous when ingested. While these parasites are usually dead after cooking, doing something wrong during the preparation process can also infect you.

• Mislabeled: Products are sometimes recalled due to being mislabelled. This could mean incorrect allergen information — noting that fish in a particular product is a non-fish product, for example, or omitting other allergens completely — which is especially hazardous for those with food allergies.

• Manufacturing Defects: There are times where a recall is issued due to a defect in the manufacturing process. These problems can be anything from being processed incorrectly to trouble in the packaging, e.g., defective, leak, etc.

• Sustainability and Environmental Issues: Tuna fishing practices have sparked ethical debates, and some recalls have taken place when brands or manufacturers were discovered to engage in practices that damage marine ecosystems or violate sustainability standards.

How Do We Find Out About Tuna Being Recalled?

Most tuna recalls are filed with government agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as manufacturers and distributors. They will issue public notifications and publish the details of the recall on their websites. Key things to look out for are:

• Product Name: The product name is primarily the name of the product, brand, and any particular lot or date codes that might be affected by the recall.

• What to Look for in the Recall Notice: The reason for recall (bacterial contamination, mislabeling, etc.)

• What to Do: It will also provide instructions for how to throw away or return the affected product.

It’s always a good idea to read the recall notice closely to determine whether the product you bought is affected.

Famous Tuna Recalls: What Happened?

For instance, some notable recalls of tuna products in the U.S. in recent years Here are a few examples:

Bumble Bee Tuna Recall (2020)

In 2020, Bumble Bee Foods recalled more than 30,000 cases of canned tuna after concerns that it might have been tainted with Clostridium botulinum, the microbe responsible for botulism. The recall was for several kinds of tuna, and the company said customers should throw away or return the affected products. It was a reminder of how important food safety practices are in the seafood industry.

Starkist Tuna Recall (2021)

In 2021, Starkist also had a tuna recall due to the mislabeling of some of their tuna products. But the mislabeling resulted from a lack of a critical allergen — soy — in its ingredients that could put people with soy allergies at risk. Starkist worked with retailers to take the affected products off of store shelves, which included multiple tuna pouch varieties.

United States Department of Agriculture.

Chicken of the Sea had a similar recall in 2019 related to a mislabeling issue. In this scenario the recall was for the reason of allergen mislabeling potentially being a risk to those with allergies or sensitivities. The recall concerns both cans and pouches of tuna, and the company advised consumers to check for the affected lot codes.

How Can We Protect Ourselves?

Knowing about recalls is one of the best ways that we can protect ourselves against unsafe tuna. But there are also a few concrete things we can do to make sure we’re consuming safe products:

1. Check for Recalls

If you buy a product, you should consider checking to see if it’s been recalled recently. You can do so by going to the F.D.A.’s website or by looking for announcements on the brand’s website.

2. Examine the Can or Pouch

When buying tuna, look out for the packaging, that might not be in good condition (e.g. spoiled or bulging packaging). If the can or pouch is damaged, this may mean the tuna within has become dangerous to consume.

3. Know the Best-by Date

Always do note the expiration or best-by date on the packaging. Eating tuna after this point may pose a risk of foodborne illness.

4. Follow Proper Storage Guidelines

Store your tuna in a cool, dry place. If you’ve opened a can or pouch, remember to refrigerate any leftovers right away, and to eat them within a few days.

5. Be Cautious About Sources

Choose brands that adhere to sustainable fishing and are transparent about where they source their tuna when you can. This can help guarantee that the tuna you’re eating is both safe and ethically sourced.

What to Do If You Have a Recalled Product

If you have purchased a recalled tuna product, follow these steps:

• Don’t Eat It: If a product has been recalled, don’t eat it. The possibility of health risks is not worth the risk.

• Take It Back to the Store: Most places will accept returns on recalled items. Refer to the recall notice for return information and take the product back to where you bought it.

• Get Rid of It Safely: If you can’t return the product, dispose of it safely. And don’t try to eat it or feed it to anyone else.

• Report It: If you notice any adverse reactions after consuming a recalled product, make sure to contact your healthcare provider instantly, and report it to the relevant regulatory agency.

Conclusion: The Importance of Vigilance

Tuna is one of the most popular seafood choices in the U.S. and while can be a healthy and convenient option, it’s essential to be extra attentive when it comes to recalls. If we can understand the causes of recalls, know what to look for, and know a few steps to protect ourselves, we can eat tuna safely and without worry. So next time you pluck a can of tuna off the shelf, take a minute to make sure it’s the right one. Your health and safety matter that much!

Key Takeaways

• Tuna recalls occur for several reasons: bacterial contamination, mislabeling, and manufacturing defects, for instance.
• Verifying for recalls and inspecting packaging may help make sure that you’re consuming safe tuna.
• The FDA and other agencies issue recall alerts that consumers should keep an eye out for.
• To be safe, recall your products or dispose of all recalled products safely.

FAQ