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.
Affected Products and Distribution
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.
Health 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 products to determine if they are affected by the recall.
FAQs
Q: What is the reason for the recall of Martinelli’s apple juice?
A: The recall is due to possible contamination with patulin, a mycotoxin that can cause nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, and vomiting.
Q: How many bottles of apple juice are affected by the recall?
A: Approximately 170,000 bottles of apple juice are affected by the recall.
Q: Which states have received the recalled products?
A: The recalled products were distributed to 29 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.
Q: Have there been any reported health issues related to the recall?
A: As of Monday, there have been no reported health issues related to the recall.
Q: How can I determine if my product is affected by the recall?
A: Check the "best by" date (Dec. 5, 2026) and the UPC number (0 41244 04102 2) of your product to determine if it is affected by the recall.
