Latest news with #Penicillium
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Midea air conditioner recall sparks concern: How to clean mold from your AC safely
Midea is recalling about 1.7 million of the company's U and U+ Window Air Conditioners sold in the U.S. and Canada due to mold exposure concerns, according to a notice shared by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The affected units were distributed under the popular brand names Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire and Sea Breeze. Water in the recalled air conditioners may pool inside the units and have difficulty draining quickly enough, increasing the risk of mold growth. The company's issued notice states that mold exposure can raise the risk of developing respiratory issues or infections for some users. While this particular recall is focused on select Midea products, mold in air conditioners is a common issue all AC owners should be aware of, Omero Flores, CEO of American AC & Heating, a family-operated HVAC company in Harlingen, Texas, tells Yahoo Life. It's easy to view an air conditioner as a set-it-and-forget-it appliance, but these workhorse machines require regular cleanings to lower the risk of mold buildup. But if you're like most people, you probably don't know how to clean mold from your air conditioner (or how to identify if it needs cleaning in the first place). With that in mind, here's how to check and clean your unit and how to prevent AC mold in your home in the first place. There are a few reasons why mold can grow in air conditioners. For starters, "mold is present almost everywhere," Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, tells Yahoo Life. But air conditioners in particular create a mold-friendly environment that allow spores to thrive. "Mold is a common issue in AC units because the cooling process naturally creates moisture," Flores says. "When warm air passes over the evaporator coils, condensation forms." If the moisture doesn't drain properly from your AC — which is what happened with the Midea recall — or if the system stays humid due to poor ventilation or infrequent use, it creates an ideal environment for mold to grow, Flores says. There are a few things that can happen with a moldy air conditioner. "Mold will reduce efficiency and can also circulate spores throughout the home, which can cause health issues like allergies or respiratory irritation," Flores says. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), mold and mold spores are incredibly common — you're going to breathe some of them in from the air around you. That said, some people are allergic to mold — their immune systems are overly sensitive to specific types of spores, which can lead to more significant reactions from exposure. Common reactions include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion. While there are hundreds of types of molds, the AAAAI notes that the most common ones that cause allergic reactions are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. As to what may happen if mold starts growing inside your AC, Alan says that really depends on the type of mold, as well as how your immune system typically responds to such spores. For instance, people who are immunocompromised or who have underlying respiratory issues are more prone to experience symptoms or health complications from mold exposure. Additionally, aerosolization of mold is a bigger potential issue than mold growing on a random surface, especially for people who are prone to mold issues, Alan says. If you're chronically exposed to mold by something like your AC blowing spores around, you could develop chronic allergy symptoms or other health concerns. "Patients could have lung infections, which could look like a fever, cough and trouble breathing," Alan says. Something else to consider: Certain types of molds, like black mold, can release toxins into the air that can make you sick, even if you don't have a mold allergy. "With things like black mold, there are more symptoms that patients may experience like fatigue, mood changes and brain fog," says Alan. There is also a specific immune reaction to mold spores called hypersensitivity pneumonitis where your lungs become inflamed due to mold exposure. "It leads to a flu-like illness with fever and fatigue, in addition to respiratory symptoms," says Dr. Robert Laumbach, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice at the Rutgers School of Public Health. "Over time, this could lead to permanent lung damage, so we want to try to catch [it] early." A key sign that mold in your home may be making you sick is if you find that you're having asthma- or allergy-like symptoms in your home that seem to get better after you leave for the day. "Symptoms usually occur with exposure and then may resolve within hours," says Laumbach. (However, he says that it can take longer for symptoms to clear up for some people, so this isn't always a given.) Still, all of this doesn't mean you should panic if you happen to find mold in your AC — especially if you otherwise feel fine. "Not every type of mold causes health issues for humans," Alan points out. There are a few warning signs to look out for. "One of the most noticeable signs is a musty or earthy smell when the system kicks on," Flores says. "It is usually the strongest near vents." You may even spot mold on the vents or around the evaporator coils and drip pan, Flores says. "Unexplained moisture buildup around the unit or damp, stale air could also be red flags," he adds. But you may simply be tipped off to the presence of mold in your AC by how you feel when the AC starts running — pay attention for any telltale allergy symptoms mentioned earlier, like sneezing, a runny nose or coughing. While it's never a bad idea to call in the experts if cleaning your AC seems like an ordeal, in most cases, it's possible to tackle basic cleaning yourself. Flores offers these simple steps. Flores recommends protecting yourself first. That means wearing gloves, a face mask and goggles. "Disturbing mold can release spores," he says. Failing to protect yourself can increase the likelihood of experiencing allergy symptoms or irritation. While basic cleaning is fairly straightforward, it's important to familiarize yourself with your unit and to determine whether the company has specific suggestions for ongoing maintenance. You don't want to be poking around with the electricity still running. Removing these components allows you to clean in and around them more effectively, identifying any areas where mold may be growing. "Small amounts of mold in accessible areas like vent covers or drip pans can sometimes be cleaned with a mixture of water and a mild detergent or a diluted bleach solution," Flores says. But as you remove these parts, "be careful not to damage components," he warns. (This is where consulting the owner's manual may come in handy!) Giving your AC a chance to fully dry before turning it back on will reduce the chances for mold growth to return. If you suspect that mold is in deeper areas of your air conditioner, like the coils or blower motor, Flores says it's best to use professional-grade equipment and antimicrobials. "That's where trained HVAC pros come in, as we can safely clean and sanitize all affected areas without spreading the mold further," he says. Getting rid of mold from your AC unit is helpful, but it can come back again if you're not careful. As always, it's best to read the instruction manual for your unit and follow regular maintenance, as recommended. "Proper routine maintenance can address most of these issues before they become a problem for the home," Sean Goddard, product manager of indoor air quality and coils at HVAC company Trane Technologies, tells Yahoo Life. Beyond that, Goddard says it can be helpful to keep tabs on your indoor humidity. "Indoor humidity should be kept between 30% to 50% for comfort and to prevent mold," he says. "Mold tends to grow when indoor humidity is higher than this range." If humidity is a big issue in your home, Goddard suggests investing in a dehumidifier to try to help lower those levels. You may even want to consider using UV light, Goddard says. "UVC light installed over your coil and drain pan can prevent microbial growth and mold," he says. Laumbach suggests wiping down the inside and outside of your air conditioner regularly to remove dust, and to regularly clean and change your filter. "Dust can be enough food for mold to grow," he says. "You want to keep those coils and the filter clean." You may even want to consider using an additional air purifier with a HEPA filter, or seeing if your AC unit can use a HEPA filter to tamp down on mold spores circulating in your air, Tony Abate, a certified mold inspector and vice president and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions, tells Yahoo Life. (Check out our favorite air purifiers here.) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also recommends keeping your air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly. Again, mold can be an issue in any air conditioner — not just the models recalled by Midea. Mold exposure can raise the risk of a range of health issues, from allergy symptoms to full-blown infections, making it important to stay on top of the spores in your home. Doing routine air conditioner maintenance and cleanings will help to lower the risk of mold issues happening in the first place. Omero Flores, CEO of American AC & Heating in Harlingen, Texas Jamie Alan, RPH, PharmD, PhD, associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University Robert Laumbach, MD, MPH, CIH, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice at the Rutgers School of Public Health Sean Goddard, product manager of indoor air quality and coils at Trane Technologies Tony Abate, a certified mold inspector and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.


Time Business News
5 days ago
- Climate
- Time Business News
Atlantic Hurricane Season 2025: Mold Prevention & Removal Tips for South Florida Homeowners
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, currently running from June 1 to November 30, brings heightened risks of storms, heavy rainfall, and flooding to South Florida. These conditions create a perfect breeding ground for mold, which can damage homes and pose health risks. For South Florida homeowners, preparing for mold prevention and knowing how to address mold growth are critical to protecting property and well-being. This guide provides a comprehensive look into mold prevention and mold removal tailored to the challenges of the 2025 hurricane season. Mold thrives in warm, humid, and wet environments—conditions that are all too common in South Florida, especially during hurricane season. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours after water exposure, making rapid response essential. Common types of mold in South Florida include Aspergillus , Penicillium , and Stachybotrys (black mold), which can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems, particularly for those with compromised immune systems. Hurricanes and tropical storms often lead to water intrusion from roof leaks, broken windows, or flooding, creating ideal conditions for mold growth. South Florida's high humidity, often exceeding 70%, exacerbates the problem, as does the region's frequent power outages, which can disable air conditioning and dehumidifiers. In 2025, with forecasts indicating an active hurricane season, homeowners must be proactive to mitigate mold risks. Preparation is key to preventing mold during hurricane season. By taking proactive steps before, during, and after a storm, homeowners can significantly reduce the likelihood of mold growth. Before the Storm: Preparation and Protection Inspect and Repair Your Home Roof Maintenance : Check for loose or damaged shingles, tiles, or flashing. Hire a professional to repair leaks or weak spots. Seal Openings : Ensure windows, doors, and vents are properly sealed. Use weatherstripping or caulk to close gaps where water could enter. Clear Gutters and Drains : Remove debris from gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems to prevent water pooling around your home. : Check for loose or damaged shingles, tiles, or flashing. Hire a professional to repair leaks or weak spots. Prepare an Emergency Kit Include plastic sheeting, tarps, duct tape, and sandbags to protect against water intrusion if windows break or leaks occur. Stock up on battery-powered fans, dehumidifiers (if possible), and mold-resistant cleaning supplies like vinegar or commercial mold inhibitors. Control Indoor Humidity Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity below 60%. Portable units are ideal for smaller spaces or during power outages if paired with a generator. Ensure air conditioning units are serviced and functioning to maintain air circulation and reduce moisture. Elevate Valuables and Furniture Move furniture, electronics, and important documents to higher floors or elevate them on blocks to avoid floodwater damage. Store items in waterproof containers or sealed plastic bags. Document Your Home Take photos or videos of your home's interior and exterior before the storm for insurance purposes. This can help document pre-existing conditions and streamline claims if mold damage occurs. Minimize Water Intrusion If safe, cover broken windows or roof damage with tarps or plastic sheeting to limit water entry. Use sandbags or barriers to divert water away from entry points. Monitor Indoor Conditions If power is available, keep air conditioning or fans running to reduce humidity. Avoid using wet or damaged electrical appliances to prevent safety hazards. After the Storm: Quick Response to Prevent Mold Assess and Document Damage Inspect your home for water damage as soon as it's safe. Look for wet walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture. Document damage with photos or videos for insurance claims. Dry Out Your Home Immediately Remove Standing Water : Use a wet/dry vacuum, pump, or buckets to remove floodwater. Act within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Ventilate : Open windows and doors (if safe) and use fans to circulate air. Battery-powered or generator-powered fans are useful during outages. Dehumidify : Run dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. If power is unavailable, consider renting a generator-powered unit. : Use a wet/dry vacuum, pump, or buckets to remove floodwater. Act within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Remove Wet Materials Discard waterlogged items like carpets, rugs, mattresses, and upholstered furniture that cannot be thoroughly dried within 48 hours. Cut away and remove wet drywall or insulation, especially if exposed to floodwater, which may contain contaminants. Clean and Disinfect Clean hard surfaces (tile, concrete, etc.) with a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial mold-inhibiting cleaner. Avoid mixing bleach with ammonia-based products, as this can create toxic fumes. Monitor for Mold Signs Look for visible mold (green, black, or white patches) or musty odors in areas like basements, bathrooms, or under sinks. Use a moisture meter to check for hidden dampness in walls or floors. If mold appears despite prevention efforts, prompt and proper removal is essential to prevent further damage and health risks. For small areas (less than 10 square feet), homeowners may be able to handle the mold remediation themselves. Larger infestations or mold caused by contaminated floodwater require professional intervention. Safety First Wear protective gear: N95 respirator mask, gloves, and goggles to avoid inhaling mold spores or skin contact. Ventilate the area by opening windows or using fans to direct spores outside. Contain the Area Seal off the affected area with plastic sheeting to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of the home. Turn off HVAC systems to avoid circulating spores through air ducts. Clean Affected Surfaces For non-porous surfaces (tile, glass, metal), use a solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water or a commercial mold cleaner. Scrub thoroughly and dry completely. For porous surfaces (drywall, wood), cleaning may be less effective. Consider removing and replacing heavily affected materials. Dry and Monitor Use fans and dehumidifiers to ensure the area is completely dry. Check for mold regrowth over the next few weeks. Large Infestations: If mold covers more than 10 square feet, hire a certified mold remediation company to help you remove the mold. Contaminated Water: Floodwater from hurricanes often contains sewage or chemicals, requiring specialized cleanup. Hidden Mold: If you suspect mold behind walls, under floors, or in HVAC systems, professionals can use tools like thermal imaging to detect it. Health Concerns: If household members experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or skin irritation, stop DIY efforts and seek professional help. To find a reliable mold remediation company in South Florida: Look for certifications from organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) or the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI). Check reviews on platforms like Google or the Better Business Bureau. Verify licensing and insurance, as Florida requires mold remediators to be licensed under state law. Review Your Insurance Policy : Standard homeowners' insurance often excludes mold damage unless it's directly caused by a covered peril (e.g., a burst pipe from a hurricane). Flood-related mold typically requires separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). : Standard homeowners' insurance often excludes mold damage unless it's directly caused by a covered peril (e.g., a burst pipe from a hurricane). Flood-related mold typically requires separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Document Everything : Keep detailed records of damage, repairs, and remediation costs for insurance claims. : Keep detailed records of damage, repairs, and remediation costs for insurance claims. Act Quickly: Many policies require prompt action to mitigate damage. Delaying could jeopardize claims. After the 2025 hurricane season, take steps to make your home more resilient: Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier: These systems help maintain low humidity levels year-round. Upgrade Ventilation: Ensure bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms have proper exhaust fans vented to the outside. Use Mold-Resistant Materials: When renovating, opt for mold-resistant drywall, paints, or flooring designed for humid climates. Regular Inspections: Schedule annual checks for roof, plumbing, and HVAC systems to catch potential issues early. Mold exposure can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or infections, particularly for children, the elderly, or those with respiratory conditions. If you notice symptoms like persistent coughing, sneezing, or headaches, consult a healthcare provider and address mold immediately. During cleanup, avoid direct contact with mold and ensure proper ventilation to minimize spore inhalation. FEMA: Offers guidance on flood recovery and mold prevention at Florida Department of Health: Provides mold and health information at National Flood Insurance Program: Learn about flood insurance at Local Emergency Management: Check with your county (e.g., Palm Beach, Broward) for post-storm resources and contractor recommendations. Preparing for Hurricanes, Water Damage and Mold The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season poses significant challenges for South Florida homeowners, but proactive mold prevention and swift remediation can protect your home and health. By preparing for heavy rain and flooding in South Florida before a storm, acting quickly after water damage, and knowing when to call professionals, you can minimize mold risks. Stay vigilant, keep humidity in check, and leverage local resources to ensure your home remains a safe haven during and after the hurricane season. TIME BUSINESS NEWS


Time of India
29-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
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. Also Read | This secret pencil store in Baghdad holds 1 million beautiful designs waiting to be explored | Watch


Forbes
27-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Apple Juice Recall Of Over 170,000 Bottles Due To Patulin Concerns
If someone were to ask you, 'Would you like some patulin with your apple juice?' Your answer should be, 'Apple-solutely not." That's because patulin is a mycotoxin, with the prefix 'myco' standing for fungus and 'toxin' standing for, well, toxin. In general, it's not a good idea to drink something labeled as a toxin. And since this particular toxin can cause a whole host of health problems in humans, the potential presence of too much patulin has prompted an apple juice recall. Specifically, S Martinelli & Company has recalled 7,234 cases of their signature apple juice. Six packs per case and four bottles per pack means that this recall involves 173,616 bottles of Martinelli's apple juice. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has indicated that this is a voluntary recall, initiated by the company on March 18. So if you did get apple juice in a 10-ounce 'bulbous/round glass bottle" with a "white metal screw top lid," you may want to take a closer look at the Universal Product Code and 'best by" date on it. A UPC number of '0 41244 04102 2' and a 'best by' date is Dec. 5, 2026, means that your apple juice is part of the recall. That means that your 'return by' or 'discard by' date for this apple juice should be now. And remember discarding a recalled product doesn't mean feeding it to your roommate. It means disposing it in the trash in a manner that no one else can consume it. This recall is encompassing Martinelli's apple juice shipped to the following 28 U.S. states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. Now, it's not clear how many bottles were actually contaminated with the mycotoxin. Patulin is produced by different molds such as Aspergillus, Penicillium and Byssochlamys. Molds belong to the kingdom of Fungi and is a specific form of fungi that grow filament structures known as hyphae. Such molds can grow on a variety of fruits, including apples, especially rotting ones. The potential presence of patulin is yet another reason why you shouldn't say, 'Hey, I've found a bunch of rotting apples. Let's make some apple juice.' Patulin is resistant to heat and pasteurization. So, it can be difficult to completely get rid of all patulin. That's why patulin levels need to be measured and stay below the allowable limits in apple products. The FDA set a maximum limit of 50 micrograms per kilogram in 2005 for apple juice products. The European Union follows the World Health Organization recommended threshold of no more than 50 μg/L in apple juice and cider, 25 ng/g in solid apple products, and 10 ng/g in products for infants and young children as described in a review article in Trends in Food Science and Technology. The FDA has categorized this apple juice recall as Class II, which means that the using the product 'may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.' For context, that's one class higher than the Class III butter recall for the potential presence of poop that I recently wrote about in Forbes. If you are wondering. consuming poop is not good. Neither is consuming patulin. Consuming too much of it can result in immediate symptoms such nausea, vomiting, and various types of gastrointestinal distress. But even more concerning are the possible longer-term effect like damage to your liver and kidney and suppression of your immune system. There is also the risk of damage to your DNA, which ultimately can lead to other changes. Additionally, patulin could be carcinogenic, meaning that it could cause cancer, although there hasn't been enough longer-term studies to confirm whether this is the case. So if you see apple juice anywhere, you may want to say, 'How about them apple juices?' And check whether they are from S Martinelli & Company and are affected by the apple juice recall. After all, it's no fun to consume a toxin from a fungus.


New York Post
26-04-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Apple juice recalled in 28 states due to toxic substance, FDA says
There are some bad apples out there – and they may be in your pantry. Martinelli's, famous for its glass-bottled apple juices, has begun recalling certain products, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Advertisement The recall pertains to certain four-packs of Martinelli's 10-ounce round glass apple juice bottles sold across 28 states. The recall was sparked by concern over potential patulin contamination, according to the FDA. Patulin is a mycotoxin (toxic substance) 'produced by Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochylamys molds that grow on fruit, grains and cheese,' according to the agency. 'Patulin is a toxic substance produced by molds that may grow on apples,' the FDA's website states. 'In the past, patulin has been found to occur at high levels in some apple juice products offered for sale in or [imported] into the U.S.' Advertisement Martinelli's has recalled four-packs of Martinelli's 10-ounce round glass apple juice bottles sold across 28 states. eqroy – There were 7,234 cases of the apple juice – a total of 111 batches – included in the recall. The states impacted by the recall are 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 and Wisconsin, the FDA stated. Although the recall was initiated on March 18, the FDA deemed the recall a Class II offense on April 22. Advertisement According to the FDA, the recall was over potential patulin contamination. Dmitrii – Class II recalls are for products that 'may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,' according to the FDA's website. According to Martinelli's website, its apple juices are 'flash-pasteurized, hot-filled into new bottles, capped and quickly cooled to retain the fresh apple flavor.' Advertisement The California company has been bottling apple juice from fresh apples since 1868, according to its website. Fox News Digital reached out to Martinelli's for comment.