The Largest Canned Food Recalls in 2025

Canned foods are a staple in kitchens worldwide due to their convenience, affordability, and long shelf life. Despite their durability, they are not immune to recalls, which are sometimes necessary to protect public health. In 2025, several prominent canned products were pulled from shelves, including items from Tri-Union Seafoods, Del Monte Foods, and Hormel Foods.

Recalls are overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can be voluntary or mandated. They are categorized into three classes: Class I recalls are the most severe, involving risks of serious injury or death; Class II recalls indicate potential temporary illness or injury; and Class III recalls involve minor regulatory violations without significant health risks.

Tri-Union Seafoods Canned Tuna

The first notable recall of 2025 occurred in February when Tri-Union Seafoods voluntarily recalled a large amount of canned tuna sold under brands including Genova, Van Camp's, H-E-B, and Trader Joe's across more than 24 states. The recall was due to defective pull tabs, which could cause cans to open over time, potentially leading to leakage or foodborne illness. This situation was classified as a Class II recall. Consumers were advised to return or discard the tuna, although no illnesses were reported.

Del Monte Good & Gather Green Beans

Another early recall involved 14.5-ounce cans of Good & Gather Cut Green Beans produced by Del Monte and sold at Target stores in 21 states. Nearly 198,000 cans were recalled due to the possible presence of a foreign object. The FDA categorized this as a Class II recall. Customers were instructed to dispose of the affected cans and request a refund. The recall concluded in early June 2025 without any reported injuries.

Hormel Dinty Moore Beef Stew

Hormel Foods issued a recall of over 250,000 pounds of Dinty Moore beef stew in 20-ounce cans after reports of wood fragments in the product. This recall affected all 50 states and was prompted by multiple complaints received by federal regulators. No injuries were reported. Hormel had previously issued a similar recall in 2016 for the same product due to foreign materials.

Vietti Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans

The final notable recall involved 4,515 cases of 15-ounce Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans from Vietti Food Group. The recall was issued because the beans contained soy, an undeclared allergen, and affected stores across nearly two dozen states. There were no serious health incidents, and customers were eligible for a full refund.

Food recalls, while relatively uncommon, are an important safeguard in modern food production. Staying informed about recalled products ensures the safety of items stored in home pantries.

Author’s Commentary: Lessons from 2025 Canned Food Recalls

The series of canned food recalls in 2025 underscores the importance of vigilance in both manufacturing and consumer awareness. While no serious injuries were reported, the potential risks—from defective pull tabs to foreign objects and undeclared allergens—highlight the need for stringent quality control.

Tri-Union Seafoods, Del Monte, Hormel, and Vietti Food Group each faced distinct challenges, yet the common thread is the swift response facilitated by FDA oversight. These Class II recalls, in particular, demonstrate that even products considered low-risk can present hazards if minor defects or contamination occur.

For consumers, these events serve as a reminder to regularly check for recall notifications and to act promptly if a purchased item is affected. Manufacturers, in turn, must maintain rigorous inspection processes to prevent similar incidents. Ultimately, recalls, while disruptive, are an essential mechanism for protecting public health and maintaining trust in the food supply chain.

Sources:

• The Biggest Canned Food Recalls Of 2025