Three jars of tomato sauce have been urgently recalled in the US due to fears they could cause botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. The recall, issued by First and Last Bakery, LLC, affects 26-ounce jars of Original Marinara Sauce Tomato and Basil, Meat Flavoured Traditional Pasta Sauce, and Mildly Hot and Spicy Puttanesca Sauce.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that the products were produced without an approved schedule, meaning the production process was not adequately evaluated to prevent the formation of Clostridium botulinum. The sauces were distributed between Connecticut and Massachusetts via Big Y and potentially other retailers from 22 September 2025, all bearing a use-by date of 26 September.
Botulism is caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which can form when acidified or low-acid canned foods are not processed correctly. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), botulinum toxins are among the most lethal substances known, blocking nerve functions and potentially leading to respiratory and muscular paralysis.
Symptoms of botulism include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, breathing problems, muscle weakness, abdominal swelling, and constipation. These typically appear within 12 to 36 hours but can range from four hours to eight days after exposure. The disease is fatal in about five to 10 percent of cases, and anyone experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
No illnesses have been reported so far. Consumers who purchased the affected sauces are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
