FDA Recalls Pasta Sauces Over Potential Botulism Risk as Holiday Food Prep Begins

FDA Recalls Pasta Sauces Over Botulism Risk

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall of several tomato sauce products sold in Connecticut and Massachusetts due to possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism.

Products and Distribution

Manufacturer: First and Last Bakery, LLC, Hartford
Affected sauces:
- Original Marinara Sauce (Tomato & Basil)
- Original Traditional Pasta Sauce (Meat Flavored)
- Original Puttanesca Sauce (Mildly Hot & Spicy)
Packaging: 26-fluid-ounce jars
Use-by date: September 2026
Distributed at: Big Y and Stop & Shop stores on September 22, 2025

Reason for Recall

The sauces were produced without an approved scheduled process, which means the necessary sterilization steps to destroy C. botulinum spores may have been skipped or improperly done.

The FDA said the sauces were made "without an approved schedule process."

Health Risks of Botulism

Botulism is a rare but extremely dangerous foodborne illness. The bacterial toxin can block nerve functions, leading to paralysis and respiratory failure.

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food and include:

Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slurred speech
Difficulty swallowing
Abdominal pain

Consumer Advice

Consumers are strongly advised not to eat these products. Instead, they should return the jars to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Author's Summary

The FDA recalled several pasta sauces due to contamination risks from improper sterilization, urging consumers to avoid them to prevent botulism.

Business Times — 2025-11-06