Martinelli’s Recall
Introduction to the Recall
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Martinelli’s has issued a recall for 170,000 bottles of apple juice over potential toxic contamination.
The California-based S. Martinelli & Company initiated the voluntary recall on March 18 for 7,234 cases — more than 170,000 bottles — over a possible contamination with patulin, which is a mycotoxin.
The recalled cases, which have a "best by" date of Dec. 5, 2026, were distributed to the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Deleware, 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.
What are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxins produced by mold, which under warm and humid conditions can grow on foods such as apples, dried fruits, cereals, nuts and more.
Patulin is often found in rotting apples and apple products, primarily created by the aspergillus, penicillium and byssochlamys molds.
Effects of Patulin Ingestion
Patulin ingestion can cause nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting.
For other mycotoxins, adverse health effects can "range from acute poisoning to long-term effects such as immune deficiency and cancer," the World Health Organization said.
Reported Health Issues
NBC News reports that there have not been any reported health issues related to the recall as of Monday.
The affected product’s UPC number is 0 41244 04102 2.
Conclusion
The recall of Martinelli’s apple juice is a precautionary measure to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with patulin contamination. It is essential for consumers to check the "best by" date and UPC number of their apple juice products to ensure they are not affected by the recall. If consumers have any concerns or questions, they should contact the manufacturer or the FDA for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the recall?
The recall is due to potential contamination with patulin, a mycotoxin that can cause nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, and vomiting.
Which states are affected by the recall?
The recalled cases were distributed to 30 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Deleware, 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.
What should I do if I have purchased the affected product?
Consumers who have purchased the affected product should check the "best by" date and UPC number to confirm if it is part of the recall. If it is, they should not consume the product and contact the manufacturer or the FDA for further instructions.
