Martinelli’s is recalling more than 170,000 apple juice bottles over possible contamination from patulin, a toxic substance produced by fungi.
The recall covers the company’s well-known round, glass bottles that were distributed in 28 states, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
“In 2024, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) routine testing indicated that one lot of 10-ounce Martinelli’s Apple Juice glass bottles (in 4-packs only) produced in December 2023 may contain elevated levels of Patulin, a naturally occurring substance produced by molds that can grow in apples,” the statement read.
The affected bottles have a “best by” date of December 5, 2026, according to the FDA
“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.
Patulin is a type of toxic substance that comes from fungi and molds that grow on fruit, grains and cheese. The most-common type of patulin is in apple juice or cider, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The risk of patulin contamination increases when companies use moldy apples to make apple juice,” the CDC said. “Pasteurization won’t get rid of patulin. Drinking the contaminated apple juice can cause nausea, vomiting, and possibly damage the DNA in some body cells.”
The FDA said the risk of serious health consequences “is remote.”
No health issues related to the recall have been reported, the company said.
