Martinelli’s recalls 170,000 Apple Juice bottles over potential toxin risk: what consumers need to know
Pranjal Chandra | Apr 28, 2025, 21:54 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
S. Martinelli & Company has voluntarily recalled over 170,000 bottles of its apple juice across 28 U.S. states due to potential patulin contamination. Routine testing revealed elevated levels of this naturally occurring toxin, prompting the recall as a precautionary measure. Consumers are advised to discard or return affected 10-ounce glass bottles with a "best by" date of December 5, 2026.
In a move emphasizing consumer safety, S. Martinelli & Company has issued a voluntary recall of more than 170,000 bottles of its popular apple juice across 28 U.S. states after detecting potential contamination with a toxic substance.
According to a notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), routine testing revealed elevated levels of patulin a naturally occurring toxin produced by certain molds that can grow in apples. While no illnesses have been reported, health experts warn that consuming high levels of patulin can pose serious health risks, especially to young children.
The recall affects 10-ounce Martinelli’s Apple Juice glass bottles sold in 4-packs, produced in December 2023. The products have a “best by” date of December 5, 2026 and can be identified by the UPC number 0 41244 04102 2, located below the barcode.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume the juice. Instead, they should either discard the bottles safely or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
If you are unsure whether your product is part of the recall, you can check the UPC code or contact Martinelli’s customer service for more information.
Where the Recalled Apple Juice Was Distributed
The recalled apple juice bottles were distributed in the following states:
Martinelli’s said it has already worked with retailers to remove the affected products from store shelves, and any unsold inventory has been pulled from distribution centers.
Patulin is a toxin produced by certain species of mold, particularly those that grow on apples and other fruits. While low levels of patulin are generally not harmful, excessive exposure can lead to nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. In extreme cases, it may also have neurological effects.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the presence of patulin in apple products is often used as a measure of the quality and handling of the fruit used during production.
The FDA sets strict limits on patulin levels in foods and beverages no more than 50 parts per billion in apple juice products to minimize health risks to consumers.
In a statement, S. Martinelli & Company emphasized its commitment to safety:
“At S. Martinelli & Company, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence, and the health and safety of our customers remains our greatest priority."
The company said it has voluntarily initiated the recall out of “an abundance of caution” and is cooperating fully with regulatory agencies.
As of now, no illnesses linked to the affected apple juice have been reported. However, food safety experts advise that even without symptoms, consumers should not risk consuming products included in the recall.
Anyone who believes they may have consumed the recalled juice and experiences unusual symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps should seek medical advice promptly. Mentioning possible patulin exposure to a healthcare provider may help guide treatment.
While product recalls can be concerning, experts say voluntary recalls like this demonstrate a functioning food safety system. If you have any questions about this or other food recalls, you can check the FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page or contact Martinelli’s customer service directly.
According to a notice posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), routine testing revealed elevated levels of patulin a naturally occurring toxin produced by certain molds that can grow in apples. While no illnesses have been reported, health experts warn that consuming high levels of patulin can pose serious health risks, especially to young children.
What consumers need to know
The recall affects 10-ounce Martinelli’s Apple Juice glass bottles sold in 4-packs, produced in December 2023. The products have a “best by” date of December 5, 2026 and can be identified by the UPC number 0 41244 04102 2, located below the barcode.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume the juice. Instead, they should either discard the bottles safely or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
If you are unsure whether your product is part of the recall, you can check the UPC code or contact Martinelli’s customer service for more information.
Where the Recalled Apple Juice Was Distributed
The recalled apple juice bottles were distributed in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- 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
- Wisconsin
What is Patulin and why is it a concern?
Patulin is a toxin produced by certain species of mold, particularly those that grow on apples and other fruits. While low levels of patulin are generally not harmful, excessive exposure can lead to nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. In extreme cases, it may also have neurological effects.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the presence of patulin in apple products is often used as a measure of the quality and handling of the fruit used during production.
The FDA sets strict limits on patulin levels in foods and beverages no more than 50 parts per billion in apple juice products to minimize health risks to consumers.
Martinelli’s responds
In a statement, S. Martinelli & Company emphasized its commitment to safety:
“At S. Martinelli & Company, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of excellence, and the health and safety of our customers remains our greatest priority."
The company said it has voluntarily initiated the recall out of “an abundance of caution” and is cooperating fully with regulatory agencies.
No reports of illness yet
As of now, no illnesses linked to the affected apple juice have been reported. However, food safety experts advise that even without symptoms, consumers should not risk consuming products included in the recall.
What should you do if you have symptoms?
Anyone who believes they may have consumed the recalled juice and experiences unusual symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps should seek medical advice promptly. Mentioning possible patulin exposure to a healthcare provider may help guide treatment.
Moving forward
While product recalls can be concerning, experts say voluntary recalls like this demonstrate a functioning food safety system. If you have any questions about this or other food recalls, you can check the FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page or contact Martinelli’s customer service directly.