Recall Issued for Martinelli’s Apple Juice Due To Contamination Worries

Martinelli’s has recalled over 173,000 bottles of apple juice across 28 states due to potential contamination with a toxic substance that could cause health complications.

Key Takeaways

S Martinelli & Company has voluntarily recalled 173,616 bottles of apple juice due to potential patulin contamination.
The recall affects 10-ounce glass bottles with a white metal screw top, UPC code “0 41244 04102 2,” and a best by date of December 5, 2026.
Patulin is a mycotoxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues, along with possible DNA damage.
The FDA has classified this as a Class II recall, indicating potential temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
Consumers should either return or discard the affected products to prevent consumption.

Extensive Recall Affects Multiple States

S Martinelli & Company initiated a voluntary recall on March 18 for 7,234 cases of apple juice, totaling 173,616 bottles. The affected products were distributed across 28 states, including major retailers such as Fareway, Hy-Vee, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods. The recall specifically targets 10-ounce apple juice products packaged in round glass bottles with white metal screw tops. Consumers can identify these products by checking for the UPC code “0 41244 04102 2” and a best by date of December 5, 2026.

The action comes after the discovery of potential patulin contamination, a mycotoxin produced by certain molds that can appear in apple products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class II recall, which indicates potential temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. Despite the scale of the recall, the company has not released public statements about the contamination, with USA TODAY reporting their outreach to Martinelli’s on April 26 went unanswered.

More than 170,000 bottles of Martinelli's Apple Juice recalled over toxic substance worry https://t.co/GkytmO1j4p

— NorthJersey.com (@northjersey) April 27, 2025

Health Risks of Patulin Contamination

Patulin presents serious health concerns for consumers who may have purchased the contaminated apple juice. This mycotoxin is particularly troublesome as it resists heat and pasteurization processes, making it difficult to eliminate once it has contaminated food products. The FDA has established a maximum allowable limit of 50 micrograms per kilogram for patulin in apple juice products, highlighting the regulatory importance of controlling this substance in the food supply.

Immediate symptoms of patulin exposure include nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress. However, the health concerns extend beyond these acute symptoms in some cases, as the FDA notes the possibility of DNA damage in some cells. These potential consequences highlight why consumers should take this recall seriously and check their purchased products promptly.

Consumer Actions and Precautions

Consumers who have purchased Martinelli’s apple juice should immediately check their products against the recall information. Look specifically for the 10-ounce glass bottles with the UPC code “0 41244 04102 2” and best by date of December 5, 2026. If you have purchased affected products, the FDA and Martinelli’s strongly advise either returning the products to the place of purchase or discarding them to prevent consumption and possible illness.

The recall comes at a time when many Americans are increasingly concerned about food safety and supply chain issues. Martinelli’s apple juice products are popular across the country, and this extensive recall affects a significant volume of their inventory.