Hartford, CT — A Connecticut-based food company has recalled several of its tomato sauce products after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that they could pose a serious health risk linked to Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium responsible for botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.
The FDA announced that First and Last Bakery, LLC, based in Connecticut, is recalling three types of its tomato sauces distributed across Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Products Included in the Recall
The recall applies to 26-ounce jars of the following sauces:
- First and Last Original Marinara Sauce, Tomato & Basil
- First and Last Original Traditional Pasta Sauce, Meat Flavored
- First and Last Original Puttanesca Sauce, Mildly Hot & Spicy
According to The Independent, the products were distributed beginning September 22, 2025, through Big Y and Stop & Shop retail stores. All affected jars have Use By dates of September 2026.
“The sale and production of these sauces have been suspended to ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements,” the FDA said in its statement.
Reason for the Recall
The agency explained that the sauces were “manufactured without an approved schedule or otherwise evaluated to determine if the process is adequate.” This means the products were not properly verified for safety, creating the potential for bacterial growth that can produce toxins responsible for botulism.
“Products that are not appropriately processed, acidified, or low-acid canned foods can harbor Clostridium botulinum,” the FDA stated.
Although no illnesses have been reported so far, the FDA is urging consumers not to eat the recalled sauces and to return them for a full refund at their place of purchase.
Symptoms and Health Risks
Botulism can cause a range of severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms, including:
- Weakness and dizziness
- Double vision
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Abdominal distension and constipation
- Paralysis of respiratory muscles in severe cases
“People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention,” the FDA warned.
The agency emphasized that even a small amount of contaminated food can cause serious illness, particularly among older adults, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Related Food Safety Concerns
This recall follows another major food safety issue involving Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, California, which recalled 245,000 pounds of pre-cooked pasta products sold to major grocery chains including Walmart and Target. Tests revealed that the pasta was contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the same strain linked to a nationwide outbreak that has killed six people and sickened at least 27 across 18 states since August 2024.
“The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported two additional deaths earlier this month connected to the outbreak,” officials said.
What Consumers Should Do
The FDA advises anyone who purchased the recalled sauces to:
- Check the label and Use By date for September 2026.
- Do not consume the product.
- Return the sauce to the place of purchase for a full refund.
- Contact a healthcare provider immediately if symptoms of botulism appear.
While the recall is precautionary, health officials stress that botulism can be fatal if untreated.
What are your thoughts on this tomato sauce recall and recent food safety issues? Share your views in the comments below.
