An urgent recall has been issued in the United States for three tomato sauce products manufactured by First and Last Bakery, LLC, following fears they could cause botulism, a rare but potentially fatal form of food poisoning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the affected sauces were produced without an approved processing schedule, raising serious concerns about food safety and contamination control.

The recall affects 26 FL OZ jars of:

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

The products were distributed in Connecticut and Massachusetts through Big Y and Stop & Shop retail stores between September 22, 2025, and have use-by dates of September 2026. Consumers are advised not to consume the sauces and to return them for a full refund.

Reason for the Recall
The FDA stated that the sauces were manufactured without regulatory evaluation or an approved heat-processing schedule, a critical violation that could allow Clostridium botulinum spores to survive and grow in the jars. Production and sales of these products have been suspended until compliance with all safety requirements is confirmed.

Health Risks Associated with Botulism
Clostridium botulinum produces a powerful neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system and can lead to severe or fatal illness, even in small amounts. The toxin thrives in low-acid, improperly processed canned or jarred foods, making such sauces high-risk if safety controls fail.

Symptoms of botulism poisoning usually appear 12 to 36 hours after ingestion and may include:

1. Severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps
2. Blurred or double vision
3. Drooping eyelids and slurred speech
4. Muscle weakness and difficulty breathing or swallowing

If untreated, paralysis can spread to the respiratory system, leading to respiratory failure and death. Medical professionals urge anyone who experiences these symptoms after consuming the recalled sauces to seek immediate emergency care.

Consumer Guidance and Prevention
Consumers who purchased the affected products should stop using them immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a refund. The FDA has emphasized that no other products from the company are currently affected.

This recall underscores the importance of strict thermal processing and regulatory oversight in the production of canned and jarred foods. Improper manufacturing of low-acid foods like tomato sauces can create an anaerobic environment ideal for botulinum growth, posing serious risks to public health.

Authorities continue to investigate the issue to ensure compliance and prevent recurrence. Consumers are advised to check product labels carefully and remain vigilant for any further recall announcements involving similar products.