Recall of Tomato Sauce Products Due to Botulism Risk
First and Last Bakery LLC of Hartford, CT, is recalling three tomato sauce products after the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection identified a potential health hazard. The sauces are packaged in 20-ounce jars with "best by" dates in September, though the year is not specified.
Recalled Products
- The specific sauces subject to the recall were distributed in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
- They were available through Big Y and possibly other retail outlets in September.
Company Response and Safety Measures
Sales and production of the affected sauces have been suspended to comply with all regulatory requirements. No cases of illness have been reported so far.
Reason for the Recall
The products were made without an approved manufacturing process or proper evaluation to confirm safety. Inadequate processing of acidified or low-acid canned foods can lead to the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that produce dangerous botulinum toxin.
About Botulism Poisoning
“Untreated, botulism can paralyze the muscles needed for breathing, resulting in sudden death.”
Botulism is a serious illness caused by consuming under-processed foods. Anyone who has eaten the recalled products and shows symptoms of botulism should seek urgent medical care.
Summary
The recall highlights the critical importance of proper food processing to prevent botulism, a life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxin formation in improperly canned foods.