Consumer Alert: DCP Issues Cease-and-Desist to Phire in the Hole, Advises the Public Not to Consume the Company’s Hot Sauces Due to Potential Botulism Risk

HARTFORD ­- The Department of Consumer Protection Food and Standards Division has issued a Cease-and-Desist order to Phire in the Hole of Monroe, CT, and asked the company to voluntarily remove its hot sauce products from the market, following complaints from several local health departments.

The products were manufactured without an approved process or required license. Failure to appropriately process acidified or low-acid canned foods, such as hot sauces, can result in Clostridium botulinum toxin formation, commonly known as Botulism.

The business has declined to recall its products and has not responded to the department's Cease-and-Desist order.

The products were distributed in Connecticut through Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchard in Shelton, CT from November 2025 through August 17, 2026. It is unclear if the product was distributed anywhere else. Products available for sale at Beardsley's Cider Mill were embargoed by the Food and Standard's division.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause weakness, dizziness, double-vision, trouble with speaking or swallowing, difficulty in breathing, abdominal distension, and constipation. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The products are packaged in 5 oz bottles with the following names:

• P.I.T.H BBQ
• VK Vamps Kryptonite
• Lemon Pucker Punch
• The Hawaiian Ghost
• Boo Bee Q
• Reaper Creeper
• Box of Phire - containing 4 product varieties: Reaper Creeper, Lemon Pucker Punch, VK Vamps Kryptonite, PH3

There is no UPC number or product code on these products.

No illnesses have been reported to date. A copy of the Cease and Desist order is attached.

Consumers who have questions can reach out to the DCP Food, Standards and Product Safety Division by emailing [email protected].