Shoppers are being warned about the potential danger of consuming specific jars of tomato sauce that could be life-threatening due to a severe health risk. First and Last Bakery, LLC, has issued an urgent recall of three popular tomato-based pasta sauces. The reason for the recall is the potential presence of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause fatal food poisoning. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has highlighted that these products were manufactured without an approved schedule, which means the production process did not undergo proper evaluation to prevent the development of this harmful bacterium.
The affected products include 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, all marked with a use-by date of September 26.
Although no illnesses have been reported yet, the seriousness of Botulism, a potentially deadly form of food poisoning, warrants caution. Consumers who have purchased the affected sauces are advised to return them 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 not processed correctly.
Botulinum toxins, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), are extremely lethal substances that can block nerve functions and potentially lead to respiratory and muscular paralysis. Symptoms to watch for include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, breathing issues, muscle weakness, abdominal swelling, and constipation. These symptoms are not directly caused by the bacteria but by the toxins it generates. They typically manifest within 12 to 36 hours but can appear anywhere from four hours to eight days after exposure. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial as the disease is fatal in approximately five to ten percent of cases.
While the FDA recall pertains to the US, similar urgent recalls have impacted UK shoppers recently, with supermarkets and retailers withdrawing products from shelves due to potential health hazards. These recalls are typically initiated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) when a food item poses a risk to consumers, be it due to missing allergen labeling or the presence of foreign substances.
In a recent alert, individuals with a peanut allergy were cautioned against consuming Aldi’s Dairyfine Crispy Choc Um’s as they might contain peanuts, potentially triggering a severe reaction. All dates of the 121g chocolate treat are affected, and customers are urged to return it to the store of purchase for a full reimbursement. A peanut allergy can result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment with an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) and prompt hospitalization.