BBQ sauce recall issued over life-threatening consumer risk

Anthony’s BBQ Sauce, based in Brookings, Oregon, issued a recall of one of its sauces on Thursday over concerns that it may contain undeclared anchovy, which could cause a potentially life-threatening reaction in people with a fish allergy.

Why it Matters

The recall was announced on Thanksgiving, just as people across America were set to tuck into their festive turkey dinners. While barbecue sauce isn’t a traditional staple at Thanksgiving, it has been gaining popularity in recent years for people who want to add a dash of smoky flavor to their turkey or mashed potatoes.

What To Know

Anthony’s Barbecue & Dip-It Sauce only poses a potential risk to those with allergies and severe sensitivities, but those affected “run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product,” the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in its recall alert.

The recall affects Anthony’s Barbecue & Dip-It Sauce products sold in 15-oz. glass bottles.

It has no lot codes, but the recalled items were sold at two retail stores: Taylor’s Sausage Country Store, located in Cave Junction, Oregon, and Long’s Meat Market, based in Eugene, Oregon. They were sold this year, between February and November.

The FDA reports that no illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall came just days after Prairie Farms, a farmer-owned dairy company, issued a voluntary recall of fat-free milk products on November 25, 2025, one of the busiest shopping days for the holiday, over concerns they might contain food-grade cleaning agents, which may cause health issues if consumed.

The potentially contaminated milk—which was produced at the Prairie Farms Iowa facility—was distributed to Woodman’s stores in Illinois and Wisconsin, in gallon-sized bottles. Communities that may be affected include: Bloomingdale, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Lakemoor, North Aurora, and Rockford in Illinois, and Appleton, Beloit, Green Bay, Janesville, Kenosha, Madison, Menomonee Falls, Oak Creek, Onalaska, Racine, Sun Prairie, and Waukesha in Wisconsin. The affected products are specifically marked with the code date “DEC08” and plant code “PLT19-145,” and were processed within the time frame of 17:51 to 21:23 during production (only this section of the production cycle was impacted). Customers are urged to return the recalled item for a refund.

What People Are Saying

In the FDA release, Anthony’s BBQ Sauce stated: “The recall was initiated after it was discovered during the inspection that the product containing Anchovy (fish) was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of anchovy. This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Oregon Department of Agriculture.”

What Happens Next

Consumers who believe they may have purchased the recalled item and have an anchovy or fish allergy are urged not to consume it. Instead, customers should check their cupboards and refrigerators for the product, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those with further questions may contact the company at 541-661-4508 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, Monday to Friday.