Quick Read
- Martinelli’s has recalled 174,000 bottles of apple juice due to mold contamination.
- The recall affects 28 states, including Michigan, New York, and California.
- The issue involves patulin, a toxic mold byproduct that can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Affected bottles have a UPC code 0 41244 04102 2 and a ‘Best By’ date of Dec. 5, 2026.
- Consumers should discard the product or return it for a refund.
Martinelli’s Apple Juice Recall: What You Need to Know
Martinelli’s, a well-known producer of apple juice, has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 174,000 bottles of its product due to potential contamination with patulin, a toxic byproduct of mold. The recall impacts 28 states across the U.S., including Michigan, New York, and California. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified this as a Class II recall, indicating that consumption of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.
Details of the Recalled Product
The affected apple juice is packaged in four-packs of 10-ounce translucent glass bottles with white metal screw-top lids. Consumers can identify the recalled product by the UPC code 0 41244 04102 2 and a ‘Best By’ date of December 5, 2026. The recall was initiated by S. Martinelli & Co. on March 18, 2025, and the FDA upgraded it to a Class II recall on April 22, 2025.
What is Patulin and Why is it Dangerous?
Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by molds that grow on apples and other fruits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), consuming products contaminated with patulin can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and potential DNA damage in some body cells. While low levels of patulin might not pose significant health risks, elevated levels can cause more severe health issues, particularly with prolonged exposure.
States Affected by the Recall
The recalled apple juice was distributed to retail locations in the following 28 states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased Martinelli’s apple juice, check the label for the UPC code 0 41244 04102 2 and the ‘Best By’ date of December 5, 2026. If your product matches these identifiers, do not consume it. Instead, you can dispose of the product or return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Martinelli’s customer service at 1-800-662-1868 for further assistance.
FDA Recall Classifications Explained
The FDA classifies recalls into three categories based on the severity of the health risks:
- Class I: Products that could cause serious health problems or death.
- Class II: Products that may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, with a low risk of serious consequences. This is the classification for the Martinelli’s recall.
- Class III: Products that are unlikely to cause adverse health effects but violate FDA regulations.
Key Takeaways
While no illnesses or injuries have been reported so far, the potential health risks associated with patulin contamination make this recall significant. Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and pantries for the affected product and take appropriate action to ensure their safety.
For more information on food safety and recalls, visit the FDA’s official website or contact the agency directly.