A recall of various pasta sauces due to the threat of botulism contamination has been issued the second-highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
First and Last Bakery, LLC, based in Connecticut, issued a voluntary recall for three pasta sauces on October 31. The FDA later issued a Class II risk classification for the recall on December 20.
First and Last Bakery, LLC declined to comment on the recall risk classification when contacted by Newsweek.
The FDA warned that botulism is a "potentially fatal form of food poisoning."
It said that symptoms of infection can include: trouble speaking or swallowing, double-vision, weakness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, abdominal distension and constipation.
"People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention," the FDA said.
The products affected by the recall are the following:
The products were distributed in Connecticut and Massachusetts in Big Y supermarkets and possible other retailers from September 22 through October 28.
The FDA said the products were manufactured without an approved scheduled process. It added that "failure to appropriately process acidified or low-acid canned foods can result in Clostridium botulinum toxin formation."
The issue was identified by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the FDA said.
As of December 20, no illnesses had been reported by the FDA in connection with the consumption of the recalled sauces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website: "The bacteria that make botulinum toxin are found naturally in many places, but it's rare for them to make people sick. These bacteria make spores, which act like protective coatings. Spores help the bacteria survive in the environment, even in extreme conditions.
"The spores usually do not cause people to become sick, even when they're eaten. But under certain conditions, these spores can grow and make one of the most lethal toxins known."
It adds: "For example, improperly home-canned, preserved, or fermented foods can provide the right conditions for spores to grow and make botulinum toxin. When people eat these foods, they can become seriously ill, or even die, if they don't get proper medical treatment quickly."
The World Health Organization says on its website: "Foodborne botulism is a serious, potentially fatal disease. However, it is relatively rare. It is an intoxication usually caused by ingestion of potent neurotoxins, the botulinum toxins, formed in contaminated foods. Person to person transmission of botulism does not occur."
The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA.
Consumers who purchased the affected products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers can also contact the company on 860-956-5000.