FDA Recalls Tomato Sauces Over Botulism Risk During Holiday Season
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall affecting several tomato sauce products sold in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The recall involves items from First and Last Bakery, LLC of Hartford due to possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism.
Affected Products and Distribution
- Original Marinara Sauce (Tomato & Basil)
- Original Traditional Pasta Sauce (Meat Flavored)
- Original Puttanesca Sauce (Mildly Hot & Spicy)
All recalled sauces are packaged 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 explained that these sauces were made without an approved scheduled process,
meaning required sterilization steps to inactivate C. botulinum spores may have been skipped or improperly executed.
Health Risks of Botulism
Botulism produces a toxin thatcan block nerve functions and cause paralysis, including respiratory failure.
The illness, though rare, is extremely dangerous. Symptoms usually appear 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food and include:
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal discomfort
Consumer Advice
Consumers are strongly advised not to eat these products and to return them to the store for a full refund.
Author’s summary: The FDA warns of a botulism risk in certain tomato sauces sold in fall 2025, urging consumers to avoid consumption and return affected jars for refunds.