Class II U.S. Food and Drug Administration

First & Last Marinara Sauce, Puttanesca Sauce, and Meat Flavored Pasta Sauce recall: Potential for Clostridium botulinum hazard as the product is manufactured

Recall published 1+ years ago

Potential for Clostridium botulinum hazard as the product is manufactured without an approved schedule

First & Last Meat & poultry — recalled meat & poultryFirst & Last Meat & poultry — recalled meat & poultry (photo 2)First & Last Meat & poultry — recalled meat & poultry (photo 3)First & Last Meat & poultry — recalled meat & poultry (photo 4)
4 photos published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Botulism risk

Botulinum toxin is what this recall guards against. It gives no warning in taste or smell, and a swollen or leaking container is a sign but not a reliable one.

What the notice says: Failure to appropriately process acidified or low-acid canned foods can result in Clostridium botulinum toxin formation.

Why it matters: This product may not have been processed in a way that reliably destroys Clostridium botulinum spores. The toxin they can produce in a sealed container is one of the most dangerous substances in food safety, and it is tasteless and odourless.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

Botulism is a medical emergency. The CDC lists double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, a dry mouth, and muscle weakness that starts in the face and moves down the body. In an infant, watch for poor feeding, a weak cry, drooping eyelids and unusual floppiness. Call 911 or go to an emergency department immediately if any of these appear after eating a recalled product — treatment works best when it is given early.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Recall number
H-0334-2026, H-0335-2026, H-0336-2026
Published
October 31, 2025
Risk level
Class II
Status
Ongoing
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
First & Last
Product type
Meat & poultry
Units affected
30 cases
Distribution
Connecticut, Massachusetts
Lot / code info
Expiration/Use By: 09/26
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been reported to date.

Products covered by this recall

Marinara Sauce, Puttanesca Sauce, and Meat Flavored Pasta Sauce

What the company announced

First and Last Bakery, LLC of Hartford, CT, is recalling the following products due to a possible health risk identified by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.

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 potentially other retailers, starting on September 22, 2025, and continuing through 10/28/2025.

Sales and production of the sauce have been suspended to ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recalled products are packaged in 26 FL OZ jars with the following names and UPC numbers:

  • Product Name: First and Last Original Marinara Sauce, Tomato & Basil · Use By Dates: 09/26
  • Product Name: First and Last Original Traditional Pasta Sauce, Meat Flavored · Use By Dates: 09/26
  • Product Name: First and Last Original Puttanesca Sauce, Mildly Hot & Spicy · Use By Dates: 09/26

The products were manufactured without an approved scheduled process or otherwise evaluated to determine if the process is adequate. Failure to appropriately process acidified or low-acid canned foods can result in Clostridium botulinum toxin formation.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

Consumers who have purchased the above-mentioned sauces are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with any questions may contact the company at 860-956-5000, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

Check your product

The notice names 6 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Best-by / use-by date

Printed beside the lot code, not on the price sticker.

  • 09/26
  • 09
  • 26

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 26 FL OZ
  • 1 lb
  • 10 oz

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Botulism

First & Last — Botulinum toxin is what this recall guards against. It gives no warning in taste or smell, and a swollen or leaking container is a sign but not a reliable one.

  1. Do not taste it. Not even a small amount, and not to check whether it has turned.
  2. If anyone has eaten it and has blurred vision, trouble swallowing or weakness, call 911 — this does not wait for an appointment.
  3. Do not open the container. If it is already open, do not sniff it — double-bag it and keep it away from children and pets.
  4. Throw it away so nobody else can retrieve it, or follow the disposal wording in the official notice if it specifies a method.

Refunds, and what else you can claim

The purchase price is the floor, not the ceiling. Where a recall caused you a real cost, say so.

  • Claim the refund at the store first; it is the fastest route and needs the least paperwork.
  • If you bought several packs over time, list them. Firms routinely settle for more than a single unit when a customer asks.
  • Medical costs, lost earnings or a spoiled event are not handled at the service desk. Write to the company contact on this page instead, with dates and documents.
  • Keep copies of everything you send. If a recall caused harm, that file is what any later claim rests on.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers who have purchased the above-mentioned sauces are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: First and Last Bakery LLC — Consumers: (860) 956-5000

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was First & Last meat & poultry recalled?

Potential for Clostridium botulinum hazard as the product is manufactured without an approved schedule Failure to appropriately process acidified or low-acid canned foods can result in Clostridium botulinum toxin formation.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: best-by date 09/26 or 09. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Do not taste it. Not even a small amount, and not to check whether it has turned.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Consumers who have purchased the above-mentioned sauces are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists Connecticut, Massachusetts.

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