MOLDY APPLE JUICE – Huge Recall!

Martinelli’s, a beloved American apple juice brand, has expanded its recall to over 170,000 bottles that may contain a toxic mold substance, affecting consumers across 28 states.

At a Glance

  • Martinelli’s is voluntarily recalling 10-ounce apple juice glass bottles due to potential contamination with patulin, a toxic substance produced by molds on apples
  • Approximately 7,234 cases (each containing 24 bottles) are affected, distributed across 28 states including California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, and New York
  • The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, indicating potential temporary health issues but remote risk of serious consequences
  • Affected products have a “best by” date of December 5, 2026, and UPC number “0 41244 04102 2”
  • Consumers should not consume affected batches and may return them for a refund

Contamination Discovered Through Routine Testing

The recall was initiated in March after FDA routine testing revealed elevated levels of patulin in one lot of 10-ounce Martinelli’s Apple Juice glass bottles produced in December 2023. The Food and Drug Administration officially classified it as a Class II recall on April 22, indicating moderate health risk. Patulin, a colorless toxin produced by certain molds that grow on fruits, can cause significant discomfort if consumed at high levels. 

According to the FDA, patulin consumption may cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” though the probability of serious health consequences “is remote.” The toxin can produce symptoms including nausea and vomiting, with the FDA noting it may “possibly damage the DNA in some body cells.” Importantly, the normal pasteurization process used in juice production does not remove patulin once it has formed in the fruit.

Affected Products and Distribution

The recall specifically targets Martinelli’s iconic “bulbous/round glass bottle(s)” with white metal screw top lids. Affected bottles have a “best by” date of December 5, 2026, and a UPC number of “0 41244 04102 2.” The scope of the recall covers approximately 7,234 cases, with each case containing six 4-packs of the 10-ounce bottles, bringing the total to roughly 170,000 individual bottles potentially affected by patulin contamination. 

“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 stated in its recall announcement. 

The recalled apple juice was distributed across a wide geographical area spanning 28 states, including major markets in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, and New York. Martinelli has already worked with retailers to remove remaining affected items from store shelves. As a precautionary measure, the company emphasizes that no health issues have been reported in connection with this recall to date. 

Consumer Guidance and Broader Recall Context

Consumers who purchased the affected product are strongly advised not to consume it. The juice should either be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a refund. For any health concerns related to potential patulin exposure, individuals should contact their healthcare providers. For questions about the recall itself, consumers can reach S. Martinelli directly at 1-800-622-1868. 

This recall is part of a broader food safety effort by the FDA in April 2025, which includes 14 other product recalls addressing various health hazards. Among these are Walker’s Wine Juice LLC’s pumpkin juice, Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate bars, and Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks. The range of concerns includes potential botulism, undeclared allergens, and contamination with foreign substances, highlighting the ongoing vigilance required in food safety monitoring across the industry.

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