H-E-B recalls tuna because of sterilization issues at plant

Equipment malfunctions are again blamed for a canned tuna recall, this time by the grocery chain H-E-B Inc., which is recalling more than 10,000 cans of Hill Country Fare branded chunk light tuna in oil.

The recall notices on the company’s website and the Food and Drug Administration website are dated March 18 — the same week of recalls for Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea branded tuna — the H-E-B recall alert was not publicized until today.

Consumers can identify the recalled Hill Country Fare chunk light tuna in oil by looking for codes on the labels and bottoms of 5-ounce, individually sold cans. The voluntary recall only applies to single, 5-ounce cans sold in H-E-B stores in Texas between Feb. 24 and March 16 this year.

The recalled Hill Country Fare chunk light tuna in oil has a UPC number of: 0 4122065335 5 and a produce lot code number of: 6O9FZ SCEES. The recalled cans have best-by dates of Feb. 9, 2019.

“This recall has been initiated because the product, produced at a co-packer, may have been undercooked due to an equipment malfunction, which was uncovered during a routine inspection,” according to the recall notice.

“These deviations were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed.”

Anyone who bought the recalled tuna can return it to the store for a full refund. Customers with any questions or concerns may contact H-E-B 855-432-4438, Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Health officials are concerned that consumers may still have recalled single, 5-ounce cans of chunk light tuna in their homes because of the product’s long shelf life.

Anyone who purchased individual 5-ounce cans of Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea or Hill Country Fare chunk light tuna in February or March is strongly encouraged to check the codes on the cans and labels to determine if they are included in the recalls.

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