Over 170,000 Bottles of Apple Juice Hit With Recall

S Martinelli & Company has issued a voluntary recall of over 173,000 apple juice bottles due to a potential health hazard.

Key Takeaways

S Martinelli & Company recalled over 173,000 bottles of apple juice due to potential patulin contamination.
Patulin is a harmful mycotoxin causing symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
The recall affects 28 states and includes 10-ounce bottles with specific UPC codes.
The FDA classifies the recall as Class II, indicating temporary or reversible health effects.
Consumers should return or dispose of the affected products immediately.

Voluntary Recall of Martinelli’s Apple Juice

S Martinelli & Company initiated a voluntary recall of 173,616 bottles of apple juice across 28 states due to potential contamination with patulin, a toxic substance produced by mold. This action follows findings that these bottles, marked with UPC code “0 41244 04102 2” and a “best by” date of December 5, 2026, might pose significant health risks if consumed.

The company has asked consumers to return or discard the affected bottles to prevent any health complications. Patulin, although primarily known to cause nausea and vomiting, can also cause damage to DNA. The FDA, monitoring the situation closely, has categorized this recall as Class II, meaning temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences are possible.

More than 170,000 bottles of Martinelli's Apple Juice recalled over toxic substance worry https://t.co/oLpyxI1VTw

— Asbury Park Press (@AsburyParkPress) April 27, 2025

Identifying the Bottles and Affected Areas

The recall specifically focuses on 10-ounce bulbous/round glass bottles with a white metal screw top. These bottles have been identified as potentially at risk due to the presence of patulin, a substance that proves resistant to typical heat and pasteurization processes. The affected products have been distributed across 28 states, impacting key markets including Alabama, California, Florida, New York, and Texas.

Consumers in these regions should heed the company’s request and check their pantries for these specific bottles. Retailers in Iowa, including Fareway, Hy-Vee, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods, are among those who have stocked the now-recalled products. As of an update, USA TODAY reached out to the company for further comment but has yet to receive a response.

Health Implications of Patulin

The FDA has established a regulatory limit of 50 micrograms of patulin per kilogram of apple juice to safeguard public health. Despite these standards, patulin’s resilience in processing poses a challenge. Consequently, both S Martinelli & Company and health officials recommend the disposal or return of involved products to prevent ingestion and potential health impacts.

This recall serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety and the continuous monitoring necessary to keep consumers safe. Staying informed and vigilant can help safeguard against the health risks posed by food contaminations.