Shoppers are being warned about a potential deadly threat linked to specific jars of tomato sauce. First and Last Bakery, LLC, has issued an urgent recall for three popular tomato-based pasta sauces due to the possible presence of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause severe food poisoning. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that these products were manufactured without an approved schedule, which failed to prevent the formation of this dangerous bacterium.
The affected products are 26-ounce jars of First and Last Original Marinara Sauce Tomato and Basil, Meat Flavoured Traditional Pasta Sauce, and Mildly Hot and Spicy Puttanesca Sauce. These sauces were distributed in Connecticut and Massachusetts through Big Y and other retailers starting from September 22, 2025, with a use-by date of September 26, according to the Daily Record.
Although there have been no reported illnesses related to these sauces, the potential danger of Botulism, a lethal form of food poisoning, has prompted officials to advise consumers to return the affected products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can develop when acidified or low-acid canned foods are improperly processed.
Botulinum toxins, classified as some of the most lethal substances by the World Health Organization (WHO), can hinder nerve functions and lead to respiratory and muscular paralysis. Symptoms of Botulism include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, breathing issues, muscle weakness, abdominal swelling, and constipation.
While the FDA recall applies to the US, recent recalls have also impacted UK shoppers due to potential health risks. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issues recalls when food products pose hazards to consumers, such as missing allergen labels or the presence of foreign materials.
In a recent alert, individuals with peanut allergies were cautioned against consuming Aldi’s Dairyfine Crispy Choc Um’s as they might contain peanuts, triggering severe reactions. Customers are advised to return any affected 121g chocolate treats to the store for a full refund. Peanut allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment with an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) and hospitalization.