A hot sauce recall has sparked concern across 10 U.S. states after the T.W. Garner Food Company issued a voluntary recall of select batches of its popular Texas Pete® sauces due to potentially life-threatening labeling errors. Consumers with certain food allergies are being urged to check their pantries immediately.
The recall, classified as a Class I recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), signifies a serious risk to health. Affected products were distributed across California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, and Vermont between February 5 and March 26, 2025.
What’s Being Recalled?
The recall involves two varieties of Texas Pete® sauces:
1. Texas Pete® Habanero Buffalo Sauce
- Issue: Some bottles may actually contain Sriracha Sauce, which includes undeclared sulfites. People with a sulfite allergy may experience severe or even life-threatening reactions if they consume the mislabeled sauce.
- Package Sizes & Labels:
- 2 fl oz bottles – UPC: 0 75500 28125 9, Best By Date: BB120525
- 12 fl oz bottles – UPC: 0 75500 10028 4, Best Used By: 11 07 25
2. Texas Pete® Sweet CHAbanero Sweet Sriracha Habanero Sauce
- Issue: This product fails to declare aged peppers (red habanero peppers, salt, vinegar) on the label, posing a risk to individuals allergic to peppers.
- Package Sizes & Labels:
- 2 fl oz bottles – UPC: 0 75500 53125 5, Best By Dates: BB 090427M, BB 082627M
- 20 fl oz bottles – UPC: 0 75500 00530 5, Best Used By: 08 02 27 F
- 0.5-gallon jugs – UPC: 0 75500 00536 7, Best Used By: 07 23 27 T 088224
Full details can be found in the official FDA recall notice.
Why This Matters?
The FDA’s Class I recall designation is the most serious type of recall and is reserved for situations where the use of the product could cause serious health problems or death. Sulfite allergies, in particular, can cause symptoms ranging from breathing difficulties and hives to anaphylaxis—a potentially fatal reaction.
Mislabeling that fails to disclose allergens is a direct violation of federal food safety standards regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
States Affected
Consumers in the following 10 states should be especially alert:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Vermont
The recalled products were distributed to retailers and distributors across these states. While no adverse health incidents have been confirmed as of April 4, the company and federal health officials are urging caution.
What Consumers Should Do?
If you’ve purchased any of the affected Texas Pete® products:
- Do not consume them.
- Check the packaging for UPC codes and best-by dates.
- Dispose of the product properly or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Concerned customers can contact Mrs. Katerine Cardoso, Director of Quality Assurance at T.W. Garner Food Company, by phone at (336) 231-6417 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST), or via email at [email protected].
For further guidance on food recalls and allergy safety, consumers can refer to the FDA’s official recall database and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food safety site.
A Reminder About Allergen Labeling
Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), food manufacturers must clearly list any of the top eight allergens on their packaging. These include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Sulfites are also recognized as a significant allergen when present at concentrations of 10 parts per million (ppm) or more.
You can read more about allergen labeling regulations on the FDA’s official allergen page.
Final Word
This hot sauce recall is a clear reminder of how labeling errors can pose serious public health threats. As federal agencies work with manufacturers to ensure safety, consumers are urged to remain vigilant—especially those with allergies.
Check your shelves, spread the word, and stay informed by subscribing to official alerts through the FDA’s food recall email system.
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