- Date Issued: February 14, 2025
- Company: The Karma Sauce Company LLC
- Product: HOT ONES Los Calientes Hot Sauce (Verde & Rojo)
- Issue: Possible foreign object contamination (plastic)
- Product Details: Sizes: 5 oz bottles, 1-gallon jugs, 5-gallon buckets
- Action: Consumers should not consume or distribute the recalled products
Stick around to find out more about this recall and what it means for the industry.
What happened?
A fiery recall has hit the hot sauce world! The Karma Sauce Company LLC is recalling 50,654 units of HOT ONES Los Calientes Hot Sauce (Verde & Rojo) due to the possibility of plastic contamination.
- Date of recall: February 14, 2025
- Company involved: The Karma Sauce Company LLC
- Product affected: HOT ONES Los Calientes Hot Sauce
- Reason for recall: Potential plastic contamination
- Where was it distributed? North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois
Recalled products:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
HOT ONES | Los Calientes Verde | 5 oz | 8-51444-00803-5 | Multiple dates through 2028 | Plastic contamination |
HOT ONES | Los Calientes Verde | 1 gallon | 8-51444-00803-5 | Multiple dates through 2028 | Plastic contamination |
HOT ONES | Los Calientes Verde | 5 gallon | 8-51444-00803-5 | 02/07/2028 | Plastic contamination |
HOT ONES | Los Calientes Rojo | 5 oz | 8-51444-00810-03 | 02/10/2028 | Plastic contamination |
HOT ONES | Los Calientes Rojo | 1 gallon | 8-51444-00810-03 | 02/07/2028 | Plastic contamination |
What caused the issue?
Foreign object contamination is a serious issue in food production. In this case, small pieces of plastic may have entered the bottles during manufacturing or packaging. This can happen due to:
- Equipment malfunctions: Machinery used in bottling or sealing may shed small plastic fragments.
- Packaging defects: Containers or seals may break, contaminating the product.
- Human error: Accidental inclusion of foreign materials during production.
- Supply chain mishaps: Contamination could occur at any stage, from ingredient sourcing to final packaging.
Potential health risks
Consuming food contaminated with plastic poses multiple health concerns:
- Choking hazard: Small plastic fragments could cause choking, especially for children.
- Mouth or throat injuries: Sharp plastic pieces may lead to cuts or irritation.
- Digestive discomfort: Ingested plastic can cause stomach pain, nausea, or intestinal blockage.
- Long-term concerns: While most plastics pass through the digestive system, repeated ingestion of microplastics could have unknown health effects.
Who’s at risk?
While anyone consuming the recalled hot sauce could be affected, certain groups face a higher risk:
- Children: Smaller airways and digestive tracts make them more vulnerable to choking and internal injury.
- Elderly individuals: Higher risk of swallowing difficulties and gastrointestinal complications.
- People with swallowing disorders: Conditions like dysphagia increase the risk of choking and esophageal damage.
- Individuals with sensitive digestive systems: People prone to stomach issues may experience more discomfort from foreign materials.
Symptoms to watch for
If someone has consumed the affected product, they should look out for these symptoms:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Throat irritation or pain
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Blood in stool (a sign of internal injury)
If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
10 common questions you might have
- How do I know if I have a recalled bottle?
- Check the UPC and Best By Date listed in the recall notice.
- What should I do if I already consumed the hot sauce?
- Monitor for any symptoms like throat pain or digestive issues. If symptoms appear, seek medical advice.
- Can I get a refund?
- Yes, return the product to the store where you purchased it or contact The Karma Sauce Company LLC for more details.
- Is every HOT ONES sauce affected?
- No, only the listed Los Calientes Verde and Rojo sauces with specific batch codes.
- What stores sold the affected product?
- The recall mentions distribution in North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, but check with retailers for more specifics.
- Can I still use the sauce if I don’t see plastic in it?
- No. Even if contamination isn’t visible, it’s best to discard the product as directed.
- How did plastic get into the sauce?
- Possible sources include machinery breakdowns, packaging defects, or supply chain contamination.
- Is the recall voluntary or FDA-mandated?
- The recall was initiated by The Karma Sauce Company LLC and is being monitored by the FDA.
- Are there any confirmed injuries?
- No reported injuries at this time, but consumers should remain cautious.
- Where can I find more updates on food recalls?
- Visit the FDA’s recall website for the latest updates.
Here’s what you should do
If you have any of these hot sauces in your pantry, here’s what you need to do:
- Check the label: Look for the affected UPC and Best By Dates listed above.
- Stop using it: Don’t consume or cook with the product.
- Dispose of it properly: Discard it safely or return it to the place of purchase.
- Contact the company: Reach out to The Karma Sauce Company LLC for refunds or more information.
Behind the brand
The Karma Sauce Company is known for its unique and flavorful hot sauces, often featured on the wildly popular show Hot Ones. However, this isn’t the first food recall due to foreign object contamination. Similar recalls have happened in recent weeks, including:
- On February 12, 2025, Del Monte Foods, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of their Good & Gather Cut Green Beans due to potential contamination with a foreign object.
- On January 31, 2025, DJ’s Boudain recalled Sausage Links due to foreign matter contamination.
“Food safety and quality control are more than just regulatory checkboxes—they are the foundation of consumer trust. In a fast-moving industry, every step, from sourcing ingredients to final packaging, demands precision and swift action. A single oversight can have far-reaching consequences, affecting both public health and a brand’s reputation. To stay ahead, companies must be proactive, adaptable, and committed to rigorous quality assurance.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
While recalls happen, it’s always a good idea for manufacturers to strengthen quality control measures to prevent future incidents.
Ensuring safe eats
Product recalls like this highlight the importance of quality control and food safety measures in the industry. Whether you’re a retailer, distributor, or manufacturer, ensuring that your products are free from contamination is crucial.
If you’re in the bulk ingredient industry and looking for safe, high-quality products, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s talk about how to ensure your ingredients are recall-free! Contact Source86 today!
