Published by If you purchased a “First & Last” brand pasta or tomato sauce that was later recalled for botulism risk, and you or a loved one became ill or were exposed to the hazard, you may be eligible to pursue legal compensation.
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Table Of Contents
What’s the Problem?
On October 31, 2025, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published a recall notice for certain First & Last brand tomato and pasta sauces manufactured by First & Last Bakery, LLC of Hartford, Connecticut. The recalled jars include Original Marinara Sauce (Tomato & Basil), Traditional Pasta Sauce (Meat Flavored), and Puttanesca Sauce (Mildly Hot & Spicy), distributed in Connecticut and Massachusetts. [1]
The recall was triggered because the products were made without an approved processing schedule for acidified or low-acid foods, creating a potential for the growth of Clostridium botulinum — the organism that causes botulism, a life-threatening form of food poisoning. [2]
While no illnesses have been publicly reported to date in connection with this recall, the risk is serious — botulism can cause paralysis, respiratory failure and death when toxins are ingested.
Latest Updates
- October 31, 2025 – FDA recall notice published for First & Last pasta and tomato sauces following inspection by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. [1]
- November 3, 2025 – Food Poisoning Bulletin reports the recall and highlights potential botulism risk, noting no current illness reports but advising consumers to discard or return the products. [2]
- November 5, 2025 – Food-safety commentary emphasizes that under-processed acidified foods are one of the highest-risk categories for botulism and warns consumers not to rely solely on visible signs of spoilage. [3]
Product & Usage Overview
The recalled items are sold in 26-fluid-ounce glass jars, featuring brand name “First & Last Original” and the descriptors: Marinara Sauce (Tomato & Basil), Traditional Pasta Sauce (Meat Flavored), and Puttanesca Sauce (Mildly Hot & Spicy).
These were available at Big Y and Stop & Shop stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts beginning around September 22, 2025. [1]
The manufacturing process lacked an approved acid-reduction or sterilization schedule, enabling the risk that Clostridium botulinum spores could survive and produce toxin if jars are improperly processed or stored. This type of deviation from standard food-safety protocol triggered the recall. [2]
Injuries & Side Effects
Because botulism is rare but dangerous, the potential harms are significant:
- Neurological‐toxin exposure: Symptoms may include double vision, difficulty swallowing, weakness of limbs, respiratory paralysis and even death if untreated. [4]
- Hospitalization and mechanical ventilation: Advanced botulism typically requires ventilator support and extended intensive-care treatment.
- Long-term impacts: Survivors may endure persistent fatigue, neuropathy, or other neurologic deficits lasting months to years.
Do You Qualify for a First & Last Pasta Sauce Recall Lawsuit?
You might have legal options if you:
- Consumed one of the recalled First & Last jars (Marinara, Traditional Meat, or Puttanesca) purchased between September 22, 2025 and onward, in CT or MA.
- Developed a diagnosis consistent with botulism (or were treated for severe food‐borne illness) following consumption.
- Retain proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement, order record) and saved the jar or label identifying lot information.
- Are within your state’s statute of limitations – typically two to three years from date of diagnosis or discovery of harm.
Evidence You Should Gather
- Jar label or photo showing brand, sauce type and use by date.
- Proof of purchase or order confirmation showing you bought the recalled product.
- Medical records indicating botulism treatment (ICU stay, antitoxin, ventilation).
- Correspondence from store or manufacturer if you returned product or received refund.
- Photos of the sauce jar if available, and packaging or storage records.
Damages You Can Recover
Potential recoveries include:
- Medical expenses – both past and future (hospitalization, antitoxin, rehab).
- Lost earnings – if illness caused job absence or disability.
- Pain and suffering – including long-term neurologic impacts or reduced quality of life.
- Product replacement – refund of purchase price plus related costs (for example, travel for treatment).
Currently no class action or individual lawsuit has been publicly filed against First & Last Bakery related specifically to this recall, but the facts indicate that affected consumers may have legal avenues to pursue.
Legal Theories & Liability Grounds
Claims may be based on:
- Defective processing: The sauce was manufactured without an approved acidification schedule, making it unreasonably dangerous.
- Failure to warn: The manufacturer and retailer did not adequately inform purchasers of processing de-viations and potential toxin risk.
- Negligence: The manufacturer failed to follow food-safety standards required by federal law.
Breach of implied warranty: The product was marketed as safe for consumption, yet posed a significant hazard of botulism.
Statute of Limitations & Timing
Statutes vary by state but often allow one to three years from the date you first discovered illness or that your illness was linked to the sauce. Given the severity of botulism risk, early action is essential to preserve evidence, obtain medical records and document product purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I file a claim even if I wasn’t hospitalized?
Yes; if you were diagnosed with botulism or treated for relevant symptoms after consuming the sauce, you may qualify. - What should I do with leftover product?
Keep the jar and label intact, take photos, and follow recall instructions—do not consume further. - Is a lawsuit guaranteed?
No; preservation of purchase documentation, medical records and proof of exposure strengthen any potential claim but do not guarantee recovery.
Why You Should Act Now
The recall of First & Last pasta sauces reflects a serious failure in food processing controls posing risk of life-threatening illness. If you consumed these products and experienced illness or anticipate exposure, consulting with a legal professional now helps protect your rights. Early evidence collection, retention of product labels and medical documentation can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation.
References
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/first-and-last-bakery-llc-recalls-first-and-last-brand-tomato-sauce-products-because-possible-health
- https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2025/first-and-last-tomato-sauces-recalled-for-possible-botulism/
- https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/11/canned-sauces-botulism-risk-analysis/
- https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communicable-disease-and-bacteria/clostridium-botulinum.html