INDIANA – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of over 170,000 bottles of Martinelli’s apple juice, including products distributed in Indiana, due to potential contamination with patulin, a naturally occurring toxic compound.
Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by molds that grow on apples, other fruits, and grains. According to the FDA and the World Health Organization (WHO), it can persist in apple products even after pasteurization.
The WHO states that acute symptoms in humans who consume high levels of patulin can include nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, and vomiting.
S Martinelli & Company of Watsonville, California, initiated the voluntary recall in March. This week, the FDA classified the recall as “Class II,” indicating that while use of the recalled product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, the probability of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote.
The FDA has identified 28 states where the recalled Martinelli’s apple juice was distributed. In addition to Indiana, these states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Consumers in Indiana who have recently purchased Martinelli’s apple juice are advised to check if their product is part of the recall. Further details regarding specific product codes and sizes affected by the recall can likely be found on the FDA’s website or directly from Martinelli’s.
