Concerns over botulism have prompted a nationwide recall of three tomato pasta sauces produced by First and Last Bakery. Consumers are urged to check their pantries and return any affected jars immediately.
State regulators discovered that the sauces were manufactured without an approved or verified process to ensure safety. This oversight raised the possibility of contamination by Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria responsible for botulism.
“The products were manufactured without an approved scheduled process or otherwise evaluated to determine if the process is adequate.”
“The company has suspended sales and production to ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements.”
The US Food and Drug Administration confirmed that no reports of illness have been recorded so far, but production remains halted until further safety certification is achieved.
Improperly processed low-acid or acidified foods create conditions where Clostridium botulinum can produce its toxin. Although botulism is rare, it affects the nervous system and can be fatal in up to 10% of cases.
First and Last Bakery recalled three tomato sauces in the US after regulators detected unsafe processing that could cause botulism, though no illnesses have been reported.