Apple juice distributed in Kentucky, 27 other states recalled over potential contamination with toxic compound: FDA

(NEXSTAR) – More than 170,000 bottles of Martinelli’s apple juice have been recalled over potential contamination with patulin, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Patulin, a naturally occurring toxin classified as a “mycotoxin,” can be produced by different types of molds which grow on apples (among other grains or fruit) and can carry over into apple products, the World Health Organization explains. The pasteurization process cannot rid a product of patulin, either, the FDA says.

“For humans, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting have been reported,” WHO writes of those who experience acute symptoms.

S Martinelli & Company of Watsonville, California, initiated its recall of the affected juice in March. This week, the FDA categorized the recall as a “Class II,” meaning the use of the recalled product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” even if “the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

The FDA indicates that the recalled juice was distributed to 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 and Wisconsin.  

The affected juice was sold in 10-ounce “bulbous/round glass bottle[s],” per details of the FDA’s enforcement report. The recalled bottles featured a “best by” date of Dec. 5, 2026, and a UPC number reading “0 41244 04102 2.” The products also bore one of dozens of batch codes listed at the FDA’s website.

A representative for S. Martinelli & Company could not provide further details of the recall, or any action that consumers may wish to take toward a refund, as of early on Friday afternoon.

The recall is ongoing, the FDA’s website indicated.