Is Bumblebee Tuna Safe From Recall? A Guide to Past Incidents and Current Safety

November 1, 2025 •

5 min read

In 1982, Bumble Bee Foods faced one of the largest canned tuna recalls in history, pulling 40 million cans from shelves due to defective packaging. With such a history, many consumers wonder, 'Is Bumblebee tuna safe from recall?' The safety of current products depends on recent recalls, and the most effective way to stay informed is by checking official FDA announcements and the company's website.

Quick Summary

This article examines the recent history of Bumble Bee tuna recalls, outlining major past incidents related to sterilization and packaging issues. It provides practical steps consumers can take to verify the safety of their products and details the regulatory oversight protecting seafood consumers.

Key Points

No Current Widespread Recall: While Bumble Bee has faced specific recalls in its history, there is no active, widespread recall on its tuna products at this time, particularly in relation to the recent 2025 industry recalls.
Past Recalls Were Product-Specific: Historical recalls by Bumble Bee were tied to specific lots and production issues, such as faulty seals in 2013 and sterilization problems in 2016, not a systemic failure.
Recent Recalls Involved Other Brands: Major canned tuna recalls in early 2025 and for certain Kirkland brand ahi tuna were linked to other manufacturers and explicitly did not include Bumble Bee canned tuna.
Check Official Sources for Updates: The most reliable way to verify product safety is to regularly check the official websites of the FDA and Bumble Bee for current recall notices.
Inspect Cans for Damage: Before consumption, always visually inspect tuna cans for signs of damage like bulging, rust, or leaks, which can compromise the product's safety.
Quality Control Is Standard Practice: Canned seafood production is governed by strict regulations, like the HACCP system, and subject to regular audits to ensure food safety.

Understanding the History of Bumble Bee Tuna Recalls

Bumble Bee Foods, like any major food producer, has experienced product recalls over its long history. While these incidents can be alarming, understanding their context is key to assessing current product safety. Major incidents include:

The 1982 Massive Recall: This remains the most significant incident, where an FDA investigation found defective packaging with small holes that could lead to spoilage. While no illnesses were directly linked to toxins in that incident, the scale was unprecedented.
The 2013 Loose Seals Recall: Bumble Bee voluntarily recalled 5oz chunk tuna cans due to faulty seals, creating a contamination risk. The recall was later expanded to include more product lots.
The 2016 Sterilization Failure: A process deviation at a co-packing facility resulted in a recall of over 31,000 cases of chunk light tuna. This issue, caused by potential under-processing, could have allowed for spoilage and pathogen growth.
The 2022 Smoked Clams Recall: While not tuna, this recall due to PFAS contamination in smoked clams demonstrates the company's broader approach to product safety issues when they arise.

These events, separated by years and different circumstances, show that recalls are typically specific to certain production lots and facilities. When a recall occurs, the company or the FDA issues a detailed notice outlining the affected products, lot codes, and expiration dates.

Comparing Bumble Bee and Other Canned Tuna Recalls


Recall Incident	Bumble Bee Tuna (2016)	Tri-Union Seafoods Tuna (2025)	Costco Ahi Tuna (2025)
Recalled Product	5oz canned Chunk Light Tuna	Genova, Van Camp's, H-E-B, Trader Joe's canned tuna	Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke
Reason for Recall	Process deviation (under-sterilization) at a co-packer	Improperly sealed easy-open can lids	Listeria contamination
Recall Scope	Specific UPCs and "best by" dates	Nationwide distribution, across 25 states	Specific sell-by dates, item #17193
Company Involved	Bumble Bee Foods, LLC	Tri-Union Seafoods (manufacturer), various brands	Costco, for its Kirkland Signature brand
Current Safety Status	Affected lots were removed; new products are considered safe.	Recall is specific to affected brands and lots; Bumble Bee was explicitly stated as not included.	Recall affected specific lot numbers of Ahi Tuna; other tuna products considered safe.

How to Verify Your Bumble Bee Tuna is Safe

Even with a solid company record, it is crucial for consumers to remain vigilant. Here's a checklist to ensure your Bumble Bee tuna is not subject to a current recall:

Check the Company Website: The official Bumble Bee Seafood Company website posts detailed information about any active recalls. This is the most direct source of information. Their FAQ section also provides information on their safety standards.
Search the FDA Website: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website maintains a public database of all food recalls, providing comprehensive details on affected products, reasons for the recall, and distribution areas.
Inspect the Packaging: Before opening, check for any visible damage to the can, such as dents, swelling, or leaks. A compromised seal or perforation is a sign of potential spoilage.
Verify Product Codes: For any potential recall, check if the UPC code, lot code, or "best by" date on your product matches the recalled items listed on official websites. For example, the 2016 recall specified products with a can code starting with a “T”.
Trust Your Senses: If the product has a foul odor, discoloration, or any bubbling upon opening, do not consume it. These are classic signs of spoilage.

The Role of Regulations and Quality Control

Food safety isn't left to manufacturers alone; it is a multi-layered system involving both industry standards and government oversight. Key elements include:

HACCP System: Many seafood suppliers and producers, including those supplying Bumble Bee, are required to adhere to the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system. This is a preventative approach to food safety, focusing on identifying potential hazards at every stage of production.
Regular Audits: Facilities involved in food production, whether owned by Bumble Bee or third-party co-packers, are subject to routine quality audits. It was a co-packer's routine audit that uncovered the sterilization issue leading to the 2016 recall.
Supply Chain Traceability: Modern food safety protocols emphasize full traceability from the point of harvest to the final packaged product. This allows companies and regulators to pinpoint the source of a problem quickly and effectively contain a recall.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Your Tuna

Is Bumblebee tuna safe from recall? The answer is complex but ultimately reassuring. There is no single, encompassing recall affecting all Bumble Bee tuna products today. However, recalls happen periodically in the food industry, and Bumble Bee has had its share in the past due to specific production issues. The most recent major tuna recalls did not involve Bumble Bee products, although other brands were affected. The company, like others, relies on stringent protocols and swift action when issues are discovered. Consumers can protect themselves by staying informed about current recalls, carefully inspecting packaging, and trusting official sources like the FDA and the manufacturer's own website. By taking these simple steps, you can confidently enjoy Bumble Bee tuna and other canned seafood products.

For more information on general canned food safety, visit the FDA's website at https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/canned-foods-and-food-safety.

Check for the Latest Recall Information

To ensure your specific can of tuna is safe, always check official sources.

Official Recall Sources:

Quick Tuna Safety Check

Scan for Official Alerts: Search the FDA and Bumble Bee sites for any active recall notices concerning your specific product and its UPC or lot code.
Inspect the Can: Look for bulges, severe dents, or signs of leakage. Never consume contents from a compromised can.
Note the 'Best By' Date: While not a sign of recall, this date indicates optimal quality and freshness, and it can help identify older inventory.
Verify Lot Numbers: Cross-reference the alphanumeric code on your can (often on the lid or base) with any affected lots mentioned in recall notices.

Remember, a clear understanding of recall procedures and proper verification habits are your best defenses against potential food safety issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, as of late 2025, there is no active recall on Bumble Bee branded canned tuna. A separate canned tuna recall affecting other brands like Genova and Van Camp's occurred earlier in the year but did not involve Bumble Bee products.

The most significant recent recall for Bumble Bee tuna occurred in 2016, prompted by a process deviation at a co-packing facility that could have resulted in under-sterilized and potentially contaminated chunk light tuna.

To check your can, compare the UPC and lot code found on the packaging with any recent recall notices published on the official Bumble Bee website or the FDA website. Always inspect the can for damage like swelling or leakage.

No, the February 2025 recall concerning improperly sealed lids and botulism risk was issued by Tri-Union Seafoods and affected other brands. Multiple sources explicitly stated that Bumble Bee products were not included in this recall.

If you have an older can, first check the "best by" date and inspect the can for any damage. For older products, it is wise to check for historical recall information on the FDA or Bumble Bee websites, as recalls were often tied to specific years and lots.

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, a system used in the food industry to identify and control potential safety hazards. Canned seafood processors are required to use HACCP to ensure product safety, from harvest to final packaging.

Yes, in 2022, Bumble Bee issued a voluntary recall of smoked clams, not tuna, due to the presence of detectable levels of PFAS. This indicates that company recalls can encompass a variety of products and issues.