Three tomato sauces recalled in US after botulism risk identified

First and Last Bakery, based in Connecticut, has recalled three tomato pasta sauces after state regulators identified a potential botulism risk linked to improper processing.

The 26-ounce jars were distributed across Connecticut and Massachusetts from 22 September to 28 October 2025.

The recall covers the following products, all carrying a “Use By 09/26” date:

• First and Last Original Marinara Sauce, Tomato & Basil
• First and Last Original Traditional Pasta Sauce, Meat Flavoured
• First and Last Original Puttanesca Sauce, Mildly Hot & Spicy

According to the recall notice, the sauces “were manufactured without an approved scheduled process or otherwise evaluated to determine if the process is adequate.”

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company has suspended sales and production to “ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements”. Officials have not received any reports of illness to date.

One of the three recalled products. Credit: FDA

Improperly processed acidified or low-acid canned foods can allow the formation of Clostridium botulinum toxin. Botulism, though rare, attacks the nervous system and can be fatal in 5–10 percent of cases.

Typical symptoms include muscle weakness, double vision and difficulty swallowing; foodborne cases may also cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. 

Consumers who bought the affected sauces should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. First and Last Bakery is responding to enquiries on 860-956-5000, Monday to Friday, 9:00am–3:00pm EST.

Recent US recall

This tomato sauce botulism recall follows another recent recall from Nate’s Fine Foods of California, which withdrew 245,000 pounds of fresh pasta supplied to major manufacturers of heat-and-eat meals and pasta salads, amid a continuing multistate listeria outbreak that has now resulted in six deaths and 27 illnesses. Health authorities have confirmed that the most recent deaths occurred in Hawaii and Oregon, adding to earlier fatalities in Illinois, Michigan, Texas and Utah. Officials also reported that the outbreak led to the loss of an unborn child after a pregnant patient became infected.