FDA Recalls Pasta Sauces Over Potential Botulism Risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall of several tomato-based pasta sauces distributed in Connecticut and Massachusetts due to a possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism. The action comes as many families begin preparing for the holiday season and storing food for gatherings.
Products Affected
- Original Marinara Sauce (Tomato & Basil)
- Original Traditional Pasta Sauce (Meat Flavored)
- Original Puttanesca Sauce (Mildly Hot & Spicy)
All affected products are packaged in 26-fluid-ounce jars with a use-by date of September 2026. The items were sold on September 22, 2025, at Big Y and Stop & Shop supermarkets. The products were produced by First and Last Bakery, LLC, based in Hartford.
Reason for Recall
“The sauces were manufactured without an approved schedule process,”
The FDA reported that the necessary sterilization protocols to eliminate C. botulinum spores may not have been properly completed. As a result, the agency urges consumers not to consume the products and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Health Risks of Botulism
Although rare, botulism is a severe foodborne illness that can cause paralysis by blocking nerve function and may lead to respiratory failure. Early symptoms typically emerge within 12 to 36 hours of ingesting contaminated food and include fatigue, blurred vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and abdominal discomfort.
Author’s Summary
The FDA warns consumers about recalled pasta sauces potentially contaminated with a deadly bacterium, urging immediate return of the products to prevent severe health risks.