The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled several tomato sauce products sold in Connecticut and Massachusetts after detecting possible contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes botulism.
The recall involves sauces produced by First and Last Bakery, LLC based in Hartford. This action coincides with the holiday season, when many families increase food storage and preparation.
The FDA reports the sauces were made without an approved sterilization schedule, which raises the risk that C. botulinum spores were not properly eliminated during manufacturing.
Botulism is a serious foodborne illness caused by a toxin that interferes with nerve function and can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure.
Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food and include fatigue, blurred vision, slurred speech, trouble swallowing, and abdominal pain.
The FDA strongly advises consumers not to eat these products and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.