Cento canned tomato products face massive nationwide recalls over faulty seals.

BREAKING NEWS: If you rely on premium pantry staples to be the safe, indestructible foundation of your weeknight dinners, you need to check your cupboards immediately. The assumed safety and indefinite shelf life of one of America’s favorite Italian imports has just been shattered.

The Defect: Compromised Vacuum Seals

• Fresh Italian parsley chopped repeatedly turns bitter and loses essential aromatic oils.
• Standard tomato paste whisked directly into simmering broth retains metallic flavors.
• Heavy whipping cream shaken inside glass jars creates instant homemade finishing butter.
• Store-bought gnocchi boiled in water completely destroys the delicate potato texture.
• Jarred Alfredo sauce requires freshly grated nutmeg to mimic authentic recipes.

In an urgent health alert, a massive nationwide recall has been issued for Cento canned tomato products due to a critical packaging defect. Inspectors discovered a mechanical malfunction at the canning facility that caused faulty micro-seams along the lids. This defect compromises the vacuum seal, exposing the tomatoes to oxygen and potentially deadly bacterial contamination over time. Even if the can does not appear bulging or leaking on the outside, the contents inside may be severely compromised.

Affected Lot Numbers

Consumers are urged to immediately check the bottom of their Cento canned tomato products. The recall currently impacts 28-ounce cans of Cento Certified San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes and Cento Crushed Tomatoes. Look for the following production lot codes printed on the metal bottom of the can:

• Lot #CM234-A (Best By: 08/2026)
• Lot #CM235-A (Best By: 08/2026)
• Lot #CR992-B (Best By: 10/2026)

FDA Guidance on What to Do Next

The FDA has issued strict guidance regarding this recall: Do not open or consume these products under any circumstances. Even a small taste of improperly sealed canned goods can lead to severe foodborne illness. Consumers who possess the affected Cento canned tomato products should immediately return them to the original place of purchase for a full refund. If returning the product is not an option, carefully double-bag the cans and dispose of them in an outside trash receptacle to ensure neither humans nor pets can access them.