Tomato Sauce Recall Issued Over Deadly Bacteria Concern

Tomato Sauce Recall Issued Over Deadly Bacteria Concern—What to Know

First and Last Bakery, LLC of Hartford, Connecticut, has issued a recall of certain tomato sauce products due to a potential botulism risk, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Products Affected

26-ounce jars of tomato sauce with a “use-by” date of September 2026
Distributed between September 22 and October 28
Sold in Connecticut and Massachusetts through Big Y supermarkets and possibly other retailers

Reason for Recall

“Manufactured without an approved scheduled process or otherwise evaluated to determine if the process is adequate,” the FDA stated.

This means the production process did not meet safety standards required to ensure the product’s acidity and preservation were sufficient to prevent bacterial growth. Improper processing of low-acid or acidified canned foods may allow the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism.

Health Risks

No illnesses have been reported so far. However, botulism is a serious and potentially fatal form of food poisoning. According to the FDA, symptoms can include:

General weakness and dizziness
Double vision
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Trouble breathing and muscle weakness
Abdominal bloating and constipation

About the Company

First and Last Bakery is a Hartford-based business known for local baked goods and specialty food products.

Reporter

Michele Laufik is a freelance writer and editor specializing in lifestyle, food, and health topics.

Author’s summary: The FDA warns that select tomato sauces from a Connecticut bakery are recalled for unsafe processing that could lead to botulism, though no cases are confirmed.

Martha Stewart — 2025-11-06