Widespread Aldi Product Recall Announced for Canned Tuna After FDA Warns of Foreign Material Contamination
An Aldi product recall has been issued for “Northern Catch” brand canned tuna across multiple U.S. states following an FDA announcement of potential plastic contamination. Consumers are urged to discard or return the product for a full refund.
Discount grocer Aldi has voluntarily recalled specific lots of its “Northern Catch” Chunk Light Tuna in Water due to potential contamination with hard plastic pieces. The Aldi product recall was initiated after the product’s supplier discovered the issue, prompting a public health alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday. The recall affects 5-ounce cans of tuna distributed across 28 states, primarily in the Midwest and on the East Coast. Officials warn that the plastic fragments could pose a choking hazard or cause injury to the mouth or digestive system if ingested.
Widespread Aldi Product Recall
| Detail | Information |
| Product Name | Northern Catch Chunk Light Tuna in Water |
| Can Size | 5 oz. (142g) |
| UPC Code | 4099100051861 |
| “Best By” Date | August 10, 2028 |
| Consumer Action | Do not consume. Discard or return to any Aldi store for a full refund. |
Details of the Aldi Product Recall
The recall was initiated by Choice Canning Co., the manufacturer that supplies the product to Aldi, after an internal quality assurance review identified a potential breakdown in a piece of plastic processing equipment. According to the company’s statement, this breakdown may have introduced small, semi-translucent plastic pieces into a specific production lot.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have recalled all products from the affected lot,” Choice Canning Co. said in a press release. “We are working closely with the FDA and Aldi to ensure this material is removed from commerce and to investigate the root cause of the equipment failure.” The affected “Northern Catch” tuna was distributed to Aldi locations in states including Ohio, Illinois, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas. A complete list of states is available on the FDA’s website. To date, no injuries or adverse reactions have been reported in connection with this food safety issue.
FDA Announcement and Health Risks
The FDA announcement classified this as a Class II recall, which is issued when “use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” Dr. Susan Mayne, Director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, addressed the potential dangers. “Foreign material contamination, such as with hard plastic, can present a significant risk,” Dr. Mayne stated in the alert. “We urge consumers who have purchased this product to follow the recall instructions immediately to prevent potential injury.”
The primary risks associated with consuming hard plastic contamination include:
- Choking or airway obstruction.
- Lacerations to the mouth, tongue, or throat.
- Potential damage to the esophagus or intestines.
Aldi’s Response and Consumer Guidance
Aldi has removed all potentially affected products from its store shelves. In a statement posted on its website, the company apologized for the inconvenience and reiterated its commitment to safety. “The safety of our customers is our highest priority,” said a spokesperson for Aldi US. “We take the quality and integrity of our products very seriously and are fully cooperating with the FDA and our supplier. We encourage any customer who purchased the recalled tuna to return it to their local Aldi for a full refund.”
Consumers can identify the recalled product by checking the “Best By” date and UPC code printed on the bottom of the can. No other “Northern Catch” products or other “Best By” dates are included in this recall. Customers with questions can contact Aldi customer service through a hotline listed on the company’s website.
Food Safety Context: Foreign Material Contamination
Foreign material contamination is one of the leading causes of food recalls in the United States. According to food safety experts, such incidents often stem from mechanical failures during the manufacturing or packaging process.
“Plastics, metals, and glass are common contaminants that can enter the food supply when machinery breaks down or when proper screening protocols fail,” explained Dr. David Katz, a food science professor at Yale University’s School of Public Health. “While modern food processing plants have numerous safeguards, including metal detectors and X-ray scanners, small or low-density materials like certain plastics can sometimes evade detection.”
Dr. Katz added that swift, transparent recalls are critical for maintaining consumer trust and mitigating public health risks. The collaboration between the manufacturer, retailer, and the FDA in this Aldi product recall is a standard and necessary procedure. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates if more information becomes available. Choice Canning Co. has stated that it has paused the production line involved to conduct a thorough inspection and implement corrective actions.
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