Apple Juice Recall Issued Over Patulin Concerns

S Martinelli & Company has recalled over 170,000 bottles of their popular apple juice due to potential patulin contamination, a toxin that could cause serious health issues for consumers across 28 states.

Key Insights

173,616 bottles of Martinelli’s apple juice are being recalled due to possible contamination with patulin, a toxic substance produced by certain molds.
Affected products are 10-ounce round glass bottles with white metal screw tops, UPC code “0 41244 04102 2,” and a best by date of December 5, 2026.
The recall impacts 28 states including major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods.
Patulin can cause nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues, with potential for liver and kidney damage with prolonged exposure.
The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, indicating potential temporary or medically reversible health consequences.

Massive Recall Affects Popular American Brand

S Martinelli & Company, a trusted American juice producer since 1868, has voluntarily recalled 173,616 bottles of their signature apple juice over concerns of patulin contamination. The recall, initiated on March 18 according to the Food and Drug Administration, involves 7,234 cases with each case containing six packs of four bottles. This massive safety action impacts consumers across 28 states, including Alabama, California, Florida, New York, and Texas, putting families on alert about a potentially harmful contaminant in their refrigerators.

The affected products are easily identifiable as 10-ounce “bulbous/round glass bottles” sealed with a “white metal screw top lid.” Consumers should check for the UPC number “0 41244 04102 2” and a “best by” date of December 5, 2026. Major retailers carrying the potentially contaminated product include Fareway, Hy-Vee, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods, making this a widespread concern for American families who trust these establishments for their grocery needs.

More than 170,000 bottles of Martinelli's Apple Juice recalled over toxic substance worry https://t.co/ic2eFAQTwH

— Tennessean (@Tennessean) April 27, 2025

Understanding Patulin: A Hidden Danger

Patulin represents a significant health concern that many Americans may be unfamiliar with. This mycotoxin is produced by certain molds including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Byssochlamys, which can grow on rotting apples and other fruits. What makes patulin particularly concerning is its resistance to heat and pasteurization processes, meaning that standard food safety procedures may not eliminate the threat. The FDA has established a maximum allowable limit of 50 micrograms per kilogram for patulin in apple juice products.

Exposure to patulin can trigger a range of symptoms that families should be vigilant about. Short-term effects include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress, while the FDA notes that it can also cause DNA damage to some cells.

Protecting Your Family

Consumers who have purchased the affected Martinelli’s apple juice are strongly advised to take immediate action. The safest course is to either return the product to the place of purchase or discard it immediately. To date, the company has not released information about any confirmed illnesses related to this recall, but the scale of the action indicates the seriousness with which both the company and the FDA are treating the potential contamination.

USA TODAY reportedly reached out to S Martinelli & Company for additional comment on the recall, but as of April 26, the company had not responded to inquiries. For families concerned about exposure, medical professionals recommend consulting with healthcare providers if symptoms appear after consuming potentially contaminated products.