Concerns over food safety continue to rise as S. Martinelli & Company has issued a voluntary recall of more than 170,000 bottles of its apple juice. The recall follows the discovery of potential contamination with patulin, a toxic substance produced by certain molds.
The affected product is the company’s popular apple juice, known for its distinctive apple-shaped glass bottles. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall is classified as Class II, meaning that use or exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects. Symptoms of patulin exposure may include nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. The pasteurization process cannot remove patulin once it is present.
The recall covers approximately 7,000 cases distributed across 28 states, including 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.
The affected bottles have a “best by” date of December 5, 2026, and a UPC code of “0 41244 04102 2.”
Consumers who have purchased the recalled apple juice are advised to discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
This recall comes amid growing concerns about the reliability of the U.S. food system. Recent reports have highlighted budget cuts, regulatory changes, and even a suspension of FDA testing for Grade A milk due to staffing shortages. Meanwhile, recalls have become increasingly common, affecting not just processed foods but also fresh produce.
As consumers navigate these challenges, experts recommend staying informed about recalls and sourcing food from trusted suppliers.
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