S. Martinelli & Company is recalling more than 170,000 bottles of its 10-ounce apple juice due to toxic mold contamination risks. The announcement affects customers across 28 states, including major markets such as California, New York, Texas, and Florida.
Which Martinelli’s apple juice products are recalled?
The recall covers Martinelli’s Gold Medal 10-ounce apple juice bottles with a best-by date of December 5, 2026. Consumers can identify affected bottles by looking for the UPC code 0 41244 04102 2.
Routine product testing detected elevated levels of patulin, a toxic chemical produced by mold growth on apples. High levels of patulin can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified this action as a Class II recall. This category means the product could cause temporary or reversible health problems but is unlikely to cause serious injury or death.
Where was the recalled apple juice distributed?
Martinelli’s apple juice was shipped to distributors and retailers nationwide. Affected states include:
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Florida
- And 24 other states
Consumers who purchased the recalled apple juice are encouraged to check their bottles immediately.
Martinelli’s has asked customers to either discard the affected products or return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.
Why patulin contamination matters
Patulin contamination is a serious concern because it stems from mold growth on fruits during or after harvest. Although pasteurization reduces the risk, improper storage or compromised fruit quality can allow toxins to remain.
Patulin exposure typically causes mild symptoms but can be dangerous for young children, older individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Long-term exposure could also pose additional health risks if left unaddressed.
What consumers should do next
Martinelli’s has provided a hotline and email address for consumers with questions about the recall. Customers should not consume any of the affected bottles.
To ensure food safety, shoppers should inspect other juice products they have purchased recently and monitor for additional recalls posted by the FDA.
No illnesses have been reported at this time, and Martinelli’s stated it took action out of an abundance of caution to protect public health.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.