- Recall Date: March 18, 2025
- Company: S. Martinelli & Company
- Product: Martinelli’s Apple Juice (4 x 10 oz. glass bottles)
- Issue: Potential contamination with patulin, a mycotoxin
- Affected Details: UPC 0 41244 04102 2; Best By 05DEC2026; 7,234 cases affected
- Distribution: 28 U.S. states including CA, NY, TX, FL, and more
- Action: Do not consume. Discard or return for refund.
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading.
What happened?
In a move that may make juice fans pause mid-sip, S. Martinelli & Company issued a recall of 7,234 cases of its Apple Juice after discovering potential contamination with patulin, a naturally occurring mycotoxin. The recall was initiated on March 18, 2025, and is currently ongoing, classified as a Class II recall by the FDA.
Martinelli’s discovered the issue through routine quality assurance testing, where elevated levels of patulin—produced by molds that grow on apples—were detected in several batches.
Affected product details
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By | Issue |
Martinelli’s | Apple Juice (4-pack) | 4 x 10 oz. | 0 41244 04102 2 | 05DEC2026 | Patulin contamination |
- Packaging: Round glass bottle with white screw top lid
- Batch Numbers: Dozens affected (see FDA listing)
- States Distributed In: AL, AZ, CA, FL, NY, TX, and 22 more
What caused the issue?
The culprit here is patulin, a not-so-fun fungus-derived compound that can sneak into apple juice when apples become moldy before or during the juice production process. This naturally occurring mycotoxin is produced by species of mold such as Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssachlamys that grow on rotting fruit.
Why it’s a big deal:
- Patulin is regulated by the FDA and the World Health Organization due to its potential toxicity.
- Contaminated juice may not look or taste any different—making it especially sneaky.
- Exposure to high levels of patulin can cause nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Vulnerable populations like young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals face greater risk.
Reported health risks:
- Short-term symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea
- Long-term risks: Research suggests high levels of patulin exposure may impact kidney and immune function (though rare)
- As of now, no illnesses have been reported—but better safe than stomach-sorry
10 common questions you may have
1. What exactly is patulin?
Patulin is a toxin produced by certain molds found on apples and other fruits. It’s considered harmful when ingested in large amounts.
2. Can I see or taste patulin in the juice?
Nope—juice contaminated with patulin usually looks and tastes normal. That’s what makes it tricky.
3. What happens if I already drank the recalled juice?
Most healthy adults will be fine, but you might experience temporary stomach upset. If symptoms occur, consult a doctor.
4. Are kids at higher risk?
Yes. Children are more vulnerable to mycotoxins, so extra caution is advised.
5. How do I know if I have the affected product?
Check for UPC 0 41244 04102 2 and Best By: 05DEC2026 on the label.
6. I don’t have a receipt. Can I still return it?
Yes—most stores will honor the recall. Contact Martinelli’s or your retailer for guidance.
7. Can I cook with the juice to make it safe?
Sorry, but no. Patulin is heat-stable, which means cooking doesn’t neutralize it.
8. Is this a manufacturing or storage issue?
Patulin usually comes from moldy apples—so it’s likely a raw material issue caught during quality testing.
9. What’s a Class II recall?
A Class II recall means the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, but isn’t likely to be fatal.
10. How do I contact the company?
Call 1-800-662-1868 or visit Martinelli’s website for more info.
Here’s what you should do
- First, check: The UPC (0 41244 04102 2) and Best By date (05DEC2026)—those are your recall red flags. If it matches, don’t taste-test it “just in case.” Instead, dispose of the product safely or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
- Retailers have been alerted and should be ready to assist. If you’re a distributor or retailer, pull the product off shelves immediately and contact Martinelli’s for return instructions. When in doubt, toss it out—it’s not worth the risk.
Behind the brand
S. Martinelli & Company, a heritage brand based in Watsonville, CA, is known for its sparkling ciders and juices. Founded in 1868, they’ve long held a reputation for quality—but like any long-standing company, the occasional hiccup happens.
This is not the first recall in the juice aisle recently. In fact, the FDA has logged similar recalls. For instance, on March 26, 2025, Agri-Mark Inc., the parent company behind Cabot Creamery, issued a voluntary Class III recall for 189 cases of its 8oz Extra Creamy Premium Butter, Sea Salted. In addition, on April 4, 2025, Johnsonville, LLC announced a voluntary recall of their Cheddar Bratwurst due to the risk of foreign matter contamination—specifically, hard plastic pieces that made their way into the sausage.
“Food safety isn’t just a checklist—it’s a commitment to protecting consumers and building trust. Even with products that seem low-risk, like juice, brands must remain alert with rigorous testing and sanitation. In today’s food industry, fostering a strong safety culture isn’t optional—it’s essential for credibility and long-term success.” – Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
Ensuring safe eats
Food recalls like this underscore how vital rigorous testing and supply chain management are to our industry. For bulk buyers, importers, and private label producers, it’s a strong reminder of the importance of sourcing from suppliers with transparent and high-standard QA processes.
- Food safety is non-negotiable, especially for products consumed by families and kids
- Co-Manufacturers and Co-Packers must monitor for mycotoxins and other risks
- Consumers are increasingly mindful of ingredient origins and quality control
If you’ve got recalled product—don’t panic. Return it, refund it, and review your sources.
For more insights into recall prevention and how to partner with trusted suppliers, reach out to our team or explore our high-quality ingredient catalog. We’re here to help you source smart and stay safe.
