JAKARTA - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stern warning regarding the recall of dangerous canned tuna that could potentially cause botulism, a deadly form of food poisoning that attacks the nervous system.
The FDA considers this situation to be very serious because canned tuna products that should have been destroyed are back on the market and being sold in retail stores.
The FDA emphasizes that the recall of this dangerous canned tuna is not a minor issue.
A fatal error in the supply chain allowed canned tuna that had been recalled since February 2025 to return to store shelves in January 2026.
This means consumers could have purchased a product that was officially declared unsafe a year earlier.
This issue has even been dubbed “zombie tuna” because the danger that was thought to have passed has resurfaced.
The FDA is urging the public to immediately check their pantries, especially those who regularly consume canned tuna.
Chronology of Canned Tuna Distribution Error
The problem began in February 2025 when a number of canned tuna products were recalled due to manufacturing defects in the pull-tab lids.
Imperfect can seals created low-oxygen conditions, an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to grow.These products should have been destroyed.
However, on January 19, 2026, the FDA revealed that a third-party distributor had accidentally sent the products back to retail stores.This error resulted in the dangerous products being sold to consumers again.
The Deadly Threat of Botulism
The FDA emphasizes that the recall of these dangerous canned tuna products is directly related to the risk of botulism, one of the most serious forms of food poisoning.
It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which produces a toxin that is harmful to the human nervous system.
What makes the situation even more dangerous is that botulism cannot be detected by human senses.
Contaminated tuna may look normal, smell fine, and still taste fresh. The smell test commonly used by the public is completely ineffective in detecting this toxin.
In the worst cases, botulism can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death if not treated medically immediately.
Affected Regions and Stores
The FDA has identified illegal distribution of this canned tuna in nine US states. In the Midwest, the product was sold at Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
On the East Coast, the product was found in major stores in Maryland and Virginia.
In California, the tuna entered the Safeway, Albertson's, Vons, and Pavilion chains.
Products and Codes to Watch Out For
The recalled products are from the GOVA brand, specifically yellowfin tuna. There are two types of products included in the list of recalled dangerous canned tuna.
The first product is GOVA Yellowfin Tuna in olive oil, packaged in four 5-ounce cans.
The UPC code for this product is 480073265, with the bottom code S84N D2L or S84N D3L, and a Best Buy date of January 21 or January 24, 2028.
The second product is GOVA Yellowfin Tuna in extra virgin olive oil with sea salt, a single 5-ounce can.
Its UPC code is 480013275, with a can bottom code of S88ND1M, and a Best Buy date of January 17, 2028.
Steps Consumers Should Take
The FDA emphasizes that if consumers find any of these products, they should never consume them.
The products should be discarded immediately or returned to the store of purchase for a full refund.
If anyone believes they have consumed this tuna and is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, or difficulty swallowing, the FDA urges them to seek emergency medical attention immediately.
For further information or to request a replacement coupon, consumers can contact the manufacturer, Triunion Seafoods, through their official support service.
This dangerous canned tuna recall serves as a serious reminder of how fragile the modern food supply chain system is.
Small mistakes can have a major impact on public safety, making consumer vigilance key. (*)
Editor : Didin Cahya Firmansyah