Martinelli's recalls over 170,000 apple juice bottles due to potential toxin contamination — here's what you need to know
Source: Martinelli
S. Martinelli & Co., Watsonville, Calif., apple juice packer, voluntarily recalled more than 170,000 cases of its 10-ounce apple juice because of possible contamination. A spontaneous FDA audit discovered the issue, in the course of which it detected more than expected quantities of naturally occurring toxin patulin. The recall began March 18, 2024, and involves thousands of cases that were distributed to 28 states in the United States.
Patulin toxin detected in Martinelli's December 2023 apple juice bottles
The juice upon which the toxin is being found, so to speak, is now officially known as December 2023, only a 4-pack of 10-ounce glass bottles. The toxin itself is patulin, a mycotoxin present in mould—that is, specific varieties of mould which will grow on apples. In fact, it will occur naturally in fruit foods, that is in the instance of rotten and bruised apples being utilised for such a function, but above-average instances at that, that is to which it is a complaint.
Patulin is also tracked for a time in apple juice and apple juice concentrate as an indicator of fruit quality. When tolerance levels are breached, prevalence does not only indicate adulteration but also indicates health risks to exposed groups, especially risk groups like children and immunocompromised individuals.
What is Patulin toxin
Patulin is a mycotoxin that is generated by mold species like Penicillium and Aspergillus, which are naturally present in rotting apples and other fruits. Patulin toxin causes acute health effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain immediately after consumption, and chronic exposure leads to liver, kidney, and immune system damage.
Martinelli's takes swift action to address potential patulin contamination
While not as well known to the general public as some of the other food toxins, patulin is highly seriously injurious to human health when ingested in quantities. Scientific research has identified exposure to high concentrations of patulin with vomiting, nausea, and gastrointestinal disturbance. Cumulative chronic exposure has in the isolated case of one individual caused impairment to kidney, liver, or immune function. FDA and the World Health Organization impose severe tolerances on patulin in food and soft drinks to cause at least some such risk to materialize.
No illness has yet materialized on recalled juice, a company spokesman says. The company did, however, respond reasonably and promptly to remove contaminated products from store shelves by action of federal agents.
Martinelli's has publicly reiterated its dedication to safety and quality. In a statement, the company emphasized that it holds itself to the highest production standards and considers consumer well-being its top priority. Working in close coordination with its retail partners, the company has successfully removed affected items from store shelves and distribution facilities.
This recall is viewed as a precautionary measure, meant to prevent any potential risk to consumers. Martinelli's also reassured customers that their production processes are being reviewed to prevent such incidents in the future.
Martinelli's recall impacts consumers across 28 U.S. states
The apple juice that was recalled was sold in a broad area of the U.S., with consumers from 28 states being impacted. Some of the most prominent markets affected include California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois, as well as several others in the East and West Coasts, the Midwest, and the South. Since the network of distribution was so wide, it has recommended all customers who have potentially bought the juice to check if they have the affected product.
How to identify the recalled Martinelli's apple juice product
The recalled product can be identified by its packaging and product code. It involves only the 10-ounce glass bottles of Martinelli's Apple Juice that are sold in 4-packs. Consumers should check for a UPC code of 0 41244 04102 2 printed below the barcode. Additionally, the affected lot has a "Best By" date of December 5, 2026. Customers are strongly advised to discontinue use if any of these marks are discovered on bottles in possession.
Martinelli's recommends that anyone who has purchased the recalled juice should not consume it, even if the product appears normal in color, texture, or smell. The company encourages customers to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or reach out to their customer service for further instructions.
For those who already took the juice and already experienced unusual symptoms, it is highly recommended that one must consult a medical doctor as an extra measure. Even though the company may believe no complaint of any disease has ever been made, better safe than sorry, particularly for sensitive tummy.
How to check if your Martinelli's apple juice is part of the recall
This notice places us on notice as to food safety for brand name products. Patulin contamination is undetectable by taste, odor, or sight and is controlled through monitoring and expedited recalls. As vigilant as consumers' radar to know, get on FDA recall notices or glance at package labels when there is actually a recall in progress.
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