Health & Medicine

Bumble Bee Tuna Recall: San Diego Company States that 5-ounce cans may Spoil from Loose Seals

Kathleen Lees
First Posted: Mar 06, 2013 11:20 PM EST

For pescatarians, a recent recall might prevent you from indulging in one of your favorite sandwiches.

Bumble Bee Foods LLC is recalling some of its 5-ounce canned tuna because of a risk that the fish could spoil. The company noted as of Wednesday that some cans' seals may not be tight enough. The loose seals could potentially let in pathogens and spoil the tuna, which would make fish lovers sick.

There have been no reports so far of any related illnesses.

The cans were distributed to retailers across the country between Jan. 17 and Feb. 28 and have "best by" rates that range from Jan. 16, 2016 through Jan. 18, 2016.

The products subject to the recall include Bumble Bee brand and Brunswick brand 5-ounce cans of chunk white albacore in water and chunk light tuna in water and vegetable oil.

Bumble Bee Foods SVP of Technical Services and Corporate Quality Assurance Steve Mavity said: "Due to can integrity concerns, our top priority at this time is to remove these recalled products from distribution as soon as possible. We are working closely with our sales team and with retailers to help expedite the recall. We must assure our consumers and retailers of a safe and quality product so we very much appreciate everyone's part in disposing of the products with the specific codes indicated."

Mavity added, "There have been no consumer reports of illnesses attributed to these products, but because we've identified an issue with seal tightness, we're voluntarily recalling products to ensure the highest margin of safety and quality."

Consumers who think they may have purchased one of the recalled products can contact Bumble Bee to get their money back and throw away the canned tuna, a privately held company based in San Diego. 

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