Bumble Bee Tuna Recall Expanded Due to Risk of Loose Seals on Cans

Faulty seals on cans of Bumble Bee tuna and albacore may affect more than 51,000 cases of the canned foods, leading to recalls due to potential health risks consumers may face if they eat the fish meat after it has spoiled or become contaminated with bacteria. 

The Bumble Bee tuna recall was initially announced by the FDA on March 6, involving 22,500 cases containing between 24 and 48 cans in each case. The following day on March 7, Bumble Bee Foods LLC announced an expansion of the canned food recall, increasing the number of affected products after recognizing that a faulty manufacturing process may not have allowed seals to tighten to company standards.

The recall now includes of Bumble Bee 5 ounce cans of Brunswick Brand chunk light tuna in water, Bumble Bee Brand chunk light tuna in water, Bumble Bee Brand chunk light tuna in vegetable oil and Bumble Bee Brand chunk white albacore. The recalled cans were distributed to various retailers nationwide from January 17 to  March 6, with “best by” dates ranging from January 14, 2016 through January 18, 2016.

To date, no reports of illnesses or injuries have been reported, but if the fish has spoiled or the cans have been infiltrated by bacteria, the recall cans could pose serious adverse health consequences to consumers. The loose seals pose a heightened risk that bacteria and pathogens may enter the tuna. The cans of tuna also are presumed to be good for eating until 2016 which allows an abundance of time for the tuna to spoil and become contaminated.

The FDA recommends that consumers stop eating the recalled cans of tuna immediately and check the “best by” dates on the can. If the cans are part of the recall they should be disposed of followed by contacting Bumble Bee Consumer Affairs at (800) 800-8572 to receive a full refund.