Wegmans Is Recalling Jarred Pasta Sauce Due to an Undeclared Ingredient

LiDestri Food announced a recall of their 24-ounce jars of Wegmans Italian Classics Diavolo pasta sauce due to possible undeclared fish contamination, specifically anchovy, announced the Food and Drug Administration.

The recall was initiated after a consumer complaint that the Diavolo pasta sauce containing anchovies was being distributed in packaging that did not disclose the presence of anchovies. According to the recall, the contamination occurred because of "a temporary breakdown in LiDestri Foods' packaging processes."

Affected jars of sauce have the specific expiration date of March 31, 2025, reference code F0589, and were sold between April 3, 2023, and May 16, 2023, at Wegmans retail locations in the following places: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Consumers are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

As of May 18, 2023, there have been no reported reactions as a result of this recall, per the FDA. However, if contaminated sauce is consumed by people who have an anchovy allergy or severe sensitivity, there's a risk of them developing a life-threatening allergic reaction. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, common allergic reaction symptoms to fish include hives or a skin rash, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion, headaches, asthma and anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and can come on suddenly and progress rapidly, notes the ACAAI. Signs you may be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction include hives or swelling, tightness of the throat, hoarse voice, nausea and/or vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, a feeling of doom and cardiac arrest. The only treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.