The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified a Class II violation of food health and safety protocols, leading to a voluntary recall of 7,234 cases of S Martinelli & Company’s most popular apple juice. The recall was initiated on March 18, 2025, when the US FDA stated that the product may cause medically reversible adverse health consequences for those who consume it. These cases contain a total of 173,616 bottles of juice and are not likely to result in any serious health complications.
Highlights
- The S Martinelli & Company brand has ordered the recall of over 173,000 bottles of their apple juice after the FDA found toxic substances in one of their batches.
- The substance found in these bottles was patulin – a mold that grows on apple and apple products.
- Patulin can cause gastrointestinal issues, nausea, and vomiting, in addition to posing other major health risks.
Contamination Concerns with Martinelli’s Apple Juice
This recall notice has been voluntarily issued in 28 states. (Source: Martinelli’s official website)
As per the recall, the contamination of Martinelli’s apple juice is classified as Class II, meaning that the consumption of the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” So far, no consumer complaints have been reported regarding the batch. However, as a safety precaution, the whole batch has been recalled.
Details of the Product
The apple juice that has been recalled is the 10-ounce bulbous glass bottles that have a white metal screw top cap. All of the products contain the Universal Product Code (UPC) 0 41244 04102 2 as well as a best-by date of December 5, 2026. The recall has been enforced in all of the following states throughout the country:
- 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
- Wisconsin
Toxin Residue Found in the Product
The FDA has stated that traces of patulin, a mold that thrives on rotten apples, are present. The substance is a mycotoxin borne from a range of molds, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Byssochlamys.
Patulin is also known to be resistant to heat and pasteurization, which has long triggered alarms for apple juice manufacturers. Therefore, in 2005, the FDA set a threshold of 50 micrograms of patulin per kilogram of apple juice products.
As per FDA documents, patulin can cause vomiting, nausea, and certain levels of gastrointestinal discomfort. Long-term exposure to the substance can lead to even more serious health issues, including liver and kidney damage, immune system suppression, and even potential DNA damage.
This risk has brought to the forefront the need to routinely monitor and test products to ensure that the patulin levels in them remain below the standards set by the FDA.
Guidance for Consumers
So far, there have been no reported injuries related to the consumption of Martinelli’s apple juice. Nevertheless, all consumers have been advised to check the bottles of the juice on their shelves and dispose of any products that may be from the batch to prevent any accidental injuries upon consumption.
At the moment, Martinelli’s apple juice does not seem to indicate any significant immediate threats. But it has been a stern reminder of the need to remain informed of food safety practices and for customers to remain vigilant of these developments.
