FDA Recalls Tomato Sauces Over Botulism Risk Ahead of Holidays
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for several tomato sauce products sold in Connecticut and Massachusetts due to a potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism.
The recall involves sauces produced by First and Last Bakery, LLC of Hartford, coinciding with the start of holiday food preparations and increased home food storage.
Affected Products and Distribution
- Original Marinara Sauce (Tomato & Basil)
- Original Traditional Pasta Sauce (Meat Flavored)
- Original Puttanesca Sauce (Mildly Hot & Spicy)
All are in 26-fluid-ounce jars with a use-by date of September 2026. These jars were sold at Big Y and Stop & Shop stores on September 22, 2025.
Reason for Recall
The FDA stated these sauces were made "without an approved schedule process," meaning the sterilization steps required to destroy C. botulinum spores may have been inadequate.
Health Risks and Consumer Advice
Botulism is a severe foodborne illness caused by a toxin that can block nerve function and cause paralysis, including respiratory failure.
Symptoms generally appear 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food and include fatigue, blurred vision, slurred speech, trouble swallowing, and abdominal pain.
Consumers are strongly advised to avoid eating these products and to return any affected jars to the store for a full refund.
Author's Summary
The FDA recalls specific tomato sauces due to botulism risk, urging consumers to return recalled products to prevent serious health dangers during holiday food preparation.
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