RECALL RECORD — CLASS IIIRecall closedF-0444-2020/FDA enforcement
Chicken of the Sea·Food·Dec 4, 2019

Sardines in Water

What you need to know

Class III
  • What happened

    It was discovered that one batch of sardines were incorrectly labeled - Sardines in Water instead of Sardines in Tomato sauce.

  • Health risk

    The product is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences. These recalls are often related to labeling or quality violations. A safety issue that does not fit the standard pathogen, allergen, chemical or quality categories.

  • Action required

    Check the identifying codes below and stop using the product. Return it to the retailer for a refund or dispose of it safely, following the recall notice.

Recall closed · classified by the FDAOR, CA, WA, NV +5 moreMore food

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Product identification

Source: FDA FOOD

Brand nameChicken of the Sea
Recalling firmChicken of the SeaEl Segundo, CA, United States
UPC / barcodes
0 48000 00707 00 00137 37851 2
Lot / date codes
  • Batch number 0001373785-12
  • Can Marking: 9009XL000 Best If Used by: Jan-09-22
  • 0001373785-12, PL 22151118 WE
Distribution area
ORCAWANVUTCOAZIDTN

OR, CA, WA, NV, UT, CO, AZ, ID, TN.

United States

Quantity affected2, 862 cases (51, 516 cans) received - believed that mislabeled amount is 125 cases (2260 cans) of incorrectly labeled product.
Recall initiationFDA report date: January 8, 2020
FDA recall numberF-0444-2020

Beyond the headline

The recall, in context

Chicken of the Sea initiated this food recall on December 4, 2019. The FDA enforcement report states: It was discovered that one batch of sardines were incorrectly labeled - Sardines in Water instead of Sardines in Tomato sauce. The FDA report lists distribution as: OR, CA, WA, NV, UT, CO, AZ, ID, TN.

The FDA enforcement report describes the reason as: It was discovered that one batch of sardines were incorrectly labeled - Sardines in Water instead of Sardines in Tomato sauce.

Sardines in Water was made or distributed by Chicken of the Sea in El Segundo, CA, United States. This page reflects FDA report F-0444-2020, dated January 8, 2020.

Why this is a Class III recall

Class III means the product is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences. These recalls are often related to labeling or quality violations. In this recall, a safety issue that does not fit the standard pathogen, allergen, chemical or quality categories.

FDA definition

The product is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences. These recalls are often related to labeling or quality violations.

What to do now

  1. 1

    Stop using it

    Do not eat, drink or take the affected product.

  2. 2

    Check the codes

    Compare the UPC and lot code against the table above.

  3. 3

    Return or discard

    Contact the retailer or recalling firm about a refund, and dispose of the product safely.

Consumer safety guide

Product safety recall

Symptoms to watch for

The official enforcement report describes the specific risk. Follow the recall notice, check the product codes and do not use a product that may be affected.

Higher-risk groups

Children, pregnant people, older adults and people with weakened immune systems should take extra care when a product's safety is uncertain.

What to do now

  1. 1Stop using or eating the product and keep it away from children and pets.
  2. 2Check the UPC and lot/date codes on this page and follow the official recall notice for disposal or return.
  3. 3Seek medical advice if anyone develops severe or worrying symptoms after exposure.

Read the official source record for the specific hazard and instructions.

This is general consumer safety information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Follow the official recall notice and contact a healthcare professional if you have concerns about exposure or symptoms.

Frequently asked

Questions about this recall

What is the Sardines in Water recall?

Chicken of the Sea recalled Sardines in Water in an FDA Class III enforcement action reported as F-0444-2020. It was discovered that one batch of sardines were incorrectly labeled - Sardines in Water instead of Sardines in Tomato sauce.

What should I do if I bought this product?

Check the identifying codes below and stop using the product. Return it to the retailer for a refund or dispose of it safely, following the recall notice. Stop using or eating the product and keep it away from children and pets. Check the UPC and lot/date codes on this page and follow the official recall notice for disposal or return. Seek medical advice if anyone develops severe or worrying symptoms after exposure.

Is the Chicken of the Sea recall still active?

The FDA lists this recall as recall closed. It remains relevant if you still have the affected product or need to identify a historical recall.

Where can I verify this recall?

This page is normalized from the openFDA enforcement record F-0444-2020. You can verify it directly using the official source link on this page. VerifyRecall updates its index from public FDA enforcement data and does not replace advice from the FDA, the recalling firm or a healthcare professional.

Verify before you act.

VerifyRecall is independent and not affiliated with the FDA. Always confirm the latest status on the official source record.

Official source

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Record last synced from official openFDA enforcement data on November 14, 2026. Source record: official FDA notice.