Accidental Anchovy Prompts Wegman's Pasta Sauce Recall

LiDestri Foods, a supplier for Wegmans Food Markets, a regional supermarket brand with more than 100 grocery stores in the eastern United States, issued an allergy alert and voluntary recall of Wegmans brand Italian Classics Diavolo pasta sauce on May 17. According to the notice, a customer complaint about an undeclared ingredient in the pasta sauce triggered the recall. The ingredient in question — anchovies — is not listed on the product label. People who are allergic to anchovies may experience a serious or life-threatening reaction if they consume the ingredient.

The recall specifically targets 24-ounce jars of Diavolo pasta sauce supplied by LiDestri Foods for Wegmans and sold between April 3, 2023 and May 16, 2023 at Wegmans locations in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Recalled jars of the red sauce bear an expiration date of March 31, 2025 and the code F0589. Additional identifying information may include UPC code 077890222409.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a voluntary recall is initiated by a company to alert consumers about product issues. A recall is an official procedure for a company to notify the FDA of a potential hazard and take corrective action to protect consumers. An investigation following the customer complaint identified a temporary glitch in the packaging process at LiDestri Foods, which led to the undeclared anchovies in the Diavolo sauce. At the time of the recall notice, there were no reports of illnesses related to the consumption of the sauce.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to anchovies may include itching and swelling affecting the lips, tongue, and throat, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. Although it's difficult to pinpoint, research from the organization Food Allergy Research and Education found that about 1% of the U.S. population (or about 3 million people) have allergies related to the consumption of fish, including anchovies. 

Consumers who believe they purchased a jar of the recalled Diavolo sauce may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, contact Wegmans at 1-855-934-3663, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, or Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.