Urgent recall: Deadly toxin found in popular canned food
Key Takeaways
Recently, Tri-Union Seafoods voluntarily recalled select lots of canned tuna products sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s® brand names due to a manufacturing defect in the "easy open" pull-tab can lids. This defect may compromise the integrity of the product seal, potentially leading to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism—a rare but serious form of food poisoning. []
Health risks associated with botulism
Botulism is a life-threatening illness caused by a toxin that attacks the body's nerves. Symptoms typically begin 18 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food but can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days. Early signs include:
Double vision
Blurred vision
Drooping eyelids
Slurred speech
Difficulty swallowing
Dry mouth
Muscle weakness
If untreated, these symptoms may progress to paralysis of the arms, legs, trunk, and respiratory muscles, potentially leading to death. Immediate medical attention is crucial for suspected cases.
What healthcare professionals should know
Healthcare providers should be vigilant for patients presenting with neurological symptoms, especially if there's a history of consuming canned tuna products. Early diagnosis and administration of antitoxin can prevent the progression of paralysis and improve outcomes. Supportive care, including mechanical ventilation, may be necessary for patients with severe respiratory involvement.
Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled products, even if they do not appear or smell spoiled. The affected products were distributed to various retail stores across multiple states. For a detailed list of affected products and distribution locations, please refer to the FDA's official recall notice.