Bumble Bee Recalls 31,000 Cases of Tuna for Possible Contamination

SAN DIEGO, CA–Bumble Bee Foods said on March 16 it is recalling 31,579 cases of canned tuna due to “process deviations” during sterilization that could be lethal if consumed. 

The error could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed, says the company, noting that “contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens” could result.

The company said that the “possible under-processing” of the tuna was “discovered by the co-packer during its routine quality audit,” adding that it does not own or operate the facility.

“The recall is being initiated out of an abundance of caution … Bumble Bee is working closely with the co-packer and the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] to expedite the removal of products from commerce,” says Bumble Bee.

Bumble Bee says that there has been no reports of illness associated with the under-processed cans of tuna and that none of its other products are affected by the recall. 

The 31,579 cases of recalled tuna were produced last month and distributed nationally, according to news releases by the company and the FDA.  

Here are the “Label UPC’s” and the “Best By” dates for the recalled Tuna:

• 8660000020 5oz  Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna in Water (02/10/2019, 02/16/2019, 02/17/2019, 02/18/2019, 02/22/2019, 02/23/2019, 02/25/2019)
• 8660000021 5oz  Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna in Oil (02/23/2019)
• 8660000736 4 Pack of 5oz  Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna in Water (02/9/2019, 02/10/2019, 02/22/2019, 02/29/2019)

Consumers should throw away the recalled products. For more information on reimbursement or questions about the recall, call Bumble Bee at 888-820-1947 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST seven days a week or visit: www.bumblebee.com/recall-march-2016.