Consumer Alert: Expanded Recall on Apple Juice Over Safety Concerns

Product recall notice on a corkboard

The recent expansion of Martinelli’s apple juice recall highlights the growing concerns over potential toxic exposure, urging consumers to take caution.

Key Takeaways

  • Martinelli’s is recalling 10-ounce apple juice bottles due to potential patulin contamination.
  • The recall was classified as a Class II recall by the FDA in April 2025.
  • Approximately 7,234 cases of the product are affected, spread across 28 states.
  • Patulin contamination can lead to symptoms like nausea and DNA damage.
  • No health issues have been reported, and the recall is precautionary.

Recall Specification and Classification

Martinelli’s has voluntarily recalled 10-ounce apple juice glass bottles after discovering potential contamination with patulin, a toxic substance from moldy apples. The recall became a Class II recall on April 22, marking potential for “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” with the risk of serious harm considered “remote.” Consumers affected are urged to avoid these products and adhere to public guidance.

The recall covers about 7,234 cases, each containing six packs of four 10-ounce bottles. Products were distributed across 28 states, encompassing locations from California to New York. The recall measures reflect a precautionary approach, prioritizing consumer safety over business concerns.

Health Implications of Patulin

Patulin is a colorless toxin that can develop on fruits like apples, with symptoms of exposure including nausea, vomiting, and potential “damage to the DNA in some body cells.” The FDA identified these concerns following routine testing in 2024 that revealed elevated patulin levels in one lot of Martinelli’s apple juice.

Despite assurances that no health issues have arisen yet, Martinelli’s took swift action to protect its consumers. It’s emphasized that the pasteurization process does not eliminate patulin from affected products, intensifying the need for consumer diligence.

Steps for Consumers and Long-Term Safety Measures

Consumers must refrain from using affected products, identified by the “best by” date of Dec. 5, 2026, and UPC number “0 41244 04102 2.” Martinelli’s is committed to ensuring safety and maintaining standards, promising that “the health and safety of our customers remains our greatest priority.”

Consumers seeking more information can find affected batch numbers for verification. Any health concerns should prompt a consultation with healthcare providers, and further inquiries can reach S. Martinelli at their toll-free number. This underscores the importance of diligent consumer engagement with safety alerts, which becomes crucial in preventing health risks.

Sources:

  1. Recall alert: Apple juice from Martinelli’s may contain toxic substance – ABC News
  2. More than 170,000 bottles of Martinelli’s Apple Juice recalled over toxic substance worry
  3. Martinelli’s issues recall for more than 170,000 apple juice bottles for potentially toxic substance
  4. Martinelli Apple Juice Recall Upgraded to Class 2 Over Toxic Substance Risk – RetailWire