Martinelli’s has issued a recall for over 170,000 bottles of its popular apple juice due to possible contamination with patulin, a toxic substance produced by certain types of fungi. The affected product is packaged in 10-ounce round glass bottles with white metal screw-top lids and was distributed across 28 states in the U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class II. This designation means the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health issues, but the likelihood of serious harm is considered remote. S. Martinelli & Co., the Watsonville, California-based beverage company behind the product, has not yet commented on the recall.
Patulin is a type of mycotoxin commonly found in fruits like apples that have been affected by fungal contamination. According to scientific publications such as Toxicon and Frontiers in Science, exposure to patulin can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The recalled bottles are marked with a “best by” date of December 5, 2026, and carry the UPC code 0 41244 04102 2. Consumers are urged to check their products and avoid consuming the juice if it matches this description.
The juice was distributed in the following 28 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
As of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall. However, the FDA advises that customers either dispose of the affected product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Anyone who experiences symptoms after consuming the juice should consult a healthcare provider.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for consumers to stay informed about potential health risks in everyday products.
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