Apple juice recall: More than 170,000 bottles of Martinelli’s impacted by fears of potential mold-based toxin

Martinelli’s, the apple juice brand that has previously gone viral for its apple-shaped packaging, has issued a voluntary recall of more than 170,000 bottles of juice. The recall comes due to potential patulin contamination. Patulin is a byproduct of mold that’s commonly found in rotten apples. Here’s what to know.

What is the reason for the recall?

According to an enforcement report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Martinelli’s voluntarily initiated the recall on March 18. The FDA then classified the recall as Class II on April 22, meaning it is considered a situation in which exposure to the product may cause “reversible adverse health consequences,” or where the probability of serious health consequences is “remote.”

Fast Company has reached out to Martinelli’s for comment. The FDA notice says no press release was issued for the recall.

According to a statement sent by Martinelli’s to NBC News: “In 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) routine testing indicated that one lot of 10-ounce Martinelli’s Apple Juice glass bottles (in 4-packs only) produced in December 2023 may contain elevated levels of patulin, a naturally occurring substance produced by molds that can grow in apples.”

The company added that it has reached out to retailers that received the recalled product, and that any remaining items from the batch in its inventory have been removed.

In all, the potential patulin contamination impacted 7,234 cases of apple juice, which equals about 170,000 individual bottles. 

What product is being recalled?

The recall notice is for Martinelli’s apple juice, packaged in four packs of 10-ounce cans. Here are the details, according to the FDA’s description:

• Product Description: Apple Juice; clear/translucent bulbous/round glass bottle with white metal screw top lid; (4 to 10 oz. bottles per pack; 6 packs per case)
• Package size: 200g package
• Company Name: S. Martinelli & Company
• Recall number: F-0734-2025
• UPC barcode: 0 41244 04102 2
• Best by date: 05DEC2026

Where was the recalled product sold?

The affected apple juice was distributed in 28 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
• Wisconsin 

What is patulin?

Per the National Library of Medicine, patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of molds, and it’s most commonly found in rotting apples.

“It is not a particularly potent toxin, but a number of studies have shown that it is genotoxic, which has led to some theories that it may be a carcinogen, though animal studies have remained inconclusive,” the National Library notes.

Side effects of consuming apples or apple juice contaminated with patulin can include stomach irritation, nausea, and vomiting.

Has anyone been harmed by the recall?

So far, no health issues related to the recall have been reported.

What should I do if I have the recalled product?

If you have the recalled apple juice, you should not consume. Instead, throw it away. According to the Martinelli’s website, concerned customers can contact the company through an online form.