Hartford sauce recall affects three 26 fl oz pasta sauces

First and Last Bakery, LLC of Hartford recalled three branded tomato and pasta sauces on January 14 after regulators determined the products were manufactured without an approved scheduled process for acidified and low-acid jarred foods. The absence of that required processing validation creates a theoretical risk that Clostridium botulinum toxin could form in the jars, prompting an immediate public-health response.

The recall covers 26 fl oz jars of Original Marinara (Tomato & Basil), Traditional Pasta Sauce (Meat Flavored), and Original Puttanesca (Mildly Hot & Spicy). Distribution was concentrated in Connecticut and Massachusetts through retailers including Big Y. Production at the Hartford facility has been suspended and retailers have initiated removals and return procedures for affected inventory.

No confirmed illnesses were reported as of the recall notice, but authorities are treating the lapse as a significant food-safety concern because botulinum toxin can cause severe illness. Symptoms to watch for include blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, and breathing difficulties. Seek immediate medical attention if any of those symptoms develop after consuming a recalled product.

Check your pantry now for 26 fl oz jars bearing the listed product names and brand. Do not taste or consume the sauces. Return them to the place of purchase for a refund, follow retailer instructions for safe disposal, or discard them securely in household waste where they cannot be accessed by children or pets. Contact your retailer’s customer service if you need clarification on refunds or returns.

For home canners and small-scale sauce makers in the pasta community, this incident is a sharp reminder about the importance of scheduled-process validation for acidified and low-acid jarred products. Proper processing and documentation prevent an anaerobic environment where spores could survive and produce toxin. If you preserve sauces at home, review your recipes and heat-processing steps and consult reliable canning resources to confirm you meet required standards.

This recall affects dinner plans across the region and highlights a broader industry responsibility to maintain validated processes. Expect follow-up notices from regulators and retailers; check receipt records or recent purchases and follow return instructions promptly. The practical next step is simple: check jars, remove suspect products, and prioritize safety over a last-minute sauce substitution.