More Than 170,000 Bottles of Apple Juice Recalled Over Possible Patulin

S Martinelli & Company has recalled over 170,000 bottles of their popular apple juice due to potential contamination with patulin, a harmful toxin produced by mold that can cause health issues for consumers.

Quick Takes

S Martinelli & Company voluntarily recalled 173,616 bottles of apple juice due to possible patulin contamination, a toxin produced by certain molds.
The affected products are 10-ounce round glass bottles with white metal screw top lids, “best by” date of December 5, 2026, and UPC code “0 41244 04102 2”.
The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, indicating potential temporary or medically reversible health consequences.
The recalled apple juice was distributed across 28 states, with major retailers including Fareway, Hy-Vee, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods carrying the affected products.
Consumers who purchased the affected juice are urged to immediately return or discard the product.

What is Being Recalled and Why

On March 18, S Martinelli & Company initiated a voluntary recall of 173,616 bottles of apple juice due to concerns about patulin contamination. The affected products are specifically 10-ounce bottles that feature a distinctive round glass design with white metal screw tops. These bottles can be identified by their “best by” date of December 5, 2026, and UPC code “0 41244 04102 2.” The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class II recall, which indicates that exposure to the contaminated products may lead to temporary or medically reversible health issues.

The recall encompasses products distributed across 28 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Major retailers that sold the affected juice in Iowa include Fareway, Hy-Vee, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods, though the distribution likely extends to similar retailers in other affected states.

Recall Alert! Check your fridge, more than 7,000 cases of this popular brand of apple juice are being pulled from store shelves. Here's why and which bottles are impacted:

https://t.co/63LQHs8D2Q

— FOX19 NOW (@FOX19) April 28, 2025

Understanding the Health Risks of Patulin

Patulin is a toxic substance produced by certain molds that commonly grow on rotting fruits, particularly apples. These molds include species from the Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Byssochlamys families. What makes patulin particularly concerning is that it cannot be eliminated through standard pasteurization processes used in juice production. The FDA has established a maximum allowable limit of 50 micrograms per kilogram for patulin in apple juice products to protect consumers from potential health risks.

Consumption of patulin can lead to several acute symptoms. According to the World Health Organization, “For humans, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting have been reported” following exposure to patulin. In addition, patulin can, per the FDA, cause damage to DNA in some cases. health concerns underscore the importance of the recall and prompt consumer action to avoid consuming the affected products.

Consumer Response and Company Actions

The FDA announcement advises consumers who have purchased the affected apple juice to either return the product to the place of purchase or discard it immediately. As of April 26, when USA TODAY reached out to S Martinelli & Company for comment, the company had not provided a response regarding the recall. Details about potential refunds or the company’s specific protocol for handling returns have not yet been made available to the public, though the recall is ongoing.

This precautionary recall represents a significant action for S Martinelli & Company, a well-established producer of apple juice and sparkling cider products. The company’s prompt voluntary recall following the discovery of potential patulin contamination demonstrates adherence to food safety protocols, though the scale of the recall—over 170,000 bottles—indicates the seriousness of the situation. Consumers should remain vigilant about checking their pantries for these distinctive round glass bottles and take appropriate action if they find affected products.