Canned tuna products purchased in New Jersey could be involved in a recall of about 34,000 cases because of possible contamination. The brands involved are Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea.
Most of the recalled tuna is Bumble Bee brand that was produced in February 2016. The company states that the discovery of an error in the sterilization of containers led to the recall of 31,579 cases of tuna that could be contaminated. Anyone who has purchased tuna that is affected by the recall is advised to throw it away. The company also encourages consumers to contact it by phone with any questions.
Chicken of the Sea brand, which is manufactured by Tri-Union Seafoods, accounts for about 2,745 cases of the recalled tuna. Sterilization and equipment issues that may have affected the tuna are the reason for the recall. Tri-Union Seafoods states that anyone who has purchased an affected product can call the company with questions or return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
All of the recalled tuna was distributed in the United States and sold at retail and chain stores. The affected cans contain 5 oz of tuna and are packed in either water or oil. There have so far been no reports of ill health related to the recalled products.
New Jersey’s products liability law gives some protection against lawsuits to manufacturers and could present a challenge to consumers who are harmed by defective products. These types of cases are complex, and thus people who have been injured or who have become ill after using such a product may want to have the assistance of counsel in pursuing a claim.