FDA Recalls Pasta Sauces Over Potential Botulism Risk
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for several tomato sauce products sold in Connecticut and Massachusetts due to possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism.
Details of the Recall
The recall targets products from First and Last Bakery, LLC of Hartford, as holiday food preparations increase in many homes. The affected sauces include:
- Original Marinara Sauce (Tomato & Basil)
- Original Traditional Pasta Sauce (Meat Flavored)
- Original Puttanesca Sauce (Mildly Hot & Spicy)
Each is sold in 26-fluid-ounce jars with a use-by date of September 2026. These jars were distributed to Big Y and Stop & Shop stores on September 22, 2025.
Reason for the Recall
The FDA stated the sauces were produced "without an approved schedule process," meaning sterilization methods required to destroy C. botulinum spores may not have been properly followed.
Consumer Advice
Consumers should not consume these products and are advised to return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.
"Botulism remains one of the most dangerous forms of foodborne illness despite its rarity. The toxin produced by the bacteria can block nerve functions and cause paralysis, including respiratory failure."
Symptoms usually begin 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food and may include fatigue, blurred vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and stomach pain.
Author's Summary
This recall highlights the serious health risks of improperly processed foods and stresses the importance of following strict sterilization protocols to prevent botulism outbreaks.