Tuna Recall Includes Florida, 'Life-Threatening' Contamination Possible: FDA

A nationwide tuna recall for potential "life-threatening" contamination includes the popular Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea brands, the FDA reported Thursday.

Deviations from the standard commercial sterilization process that occurred in a co-pack facility in California not owned or operated by the tuna companies forced the recall. These deviations could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to "life-threatening illness if consumed," according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

A total of 31,579 Bumble Bee cases (six cans per case) produced in February 2016 and distributed nationally, including Florida, are affected by the recall.

Chicken of the Sea has recalled 107,280 cans.

"The recall is being initiated out of an abundance of caution due to the possible under-processing of the affected products discovered by the co-packer during its routine quality audit. Bumble Bee is working closely with the co-packer and the FDA to expedite the removal of products from commerce," the company said in a statement.

Tri-Union Seafoods, maker of Chicken of the Sea, said in a statement: "The product may have been undercooked due to an equipment malfunction."

There have been no reports of illness associated with these products to date. No other production codes or products are affected by this recall, according to an FDA release.

How to Check Your Tuna

The Bumble Bee products subject to this recall are marked with a can code that starts with a "T" (example: TOA2BSCAFB) and have the following "best by" dates:

• 5oz Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna in Water, Best by Dates: 02/10/2019, 02/16/2019, 02/17/2019, 02/18/2019, 02/22/2019, 02/23/2019, 02/25/2019

• 5oz Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna in Oil, Best by Dates: 02/23/2019

• Pack of 5oz Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna in Water, Best by Dates: 02/9/2019, 02/10/2019, 02/22/2019, 02/29/2019

The Chicken of the Sea products recalled include:

• Chicken of the Sea 5 Oz. Canned Chunk Light Tuna in Oil sold in single cans between Feb. 10, 2016 and March 16, 2016. The UPC code is 0 4800000195 5 and the Best By date is 2/10/19

• Chicken of the Sea 5 Oz. Canned Chunk Light Tuna in Water sold at retailers nationwide in single cans between Feb. 18, 2016 and March 16, 2016. The UPC code is 0 4800000245 7. The "Best By" dates are: 2/18/19, 2/22/19, 2/23/19, 2/25/19, 3/2/19, 3/3/19

Find more FDA safety recall announcements here.

Story courtesy of PATCH CHICAGO