Applesauce products sold nationwide at major grocery stores have been urgently recalled because they contain toxins at a level above the safety limit.
Wakefern Food Corp. has voluntarily recalled select containers of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce after routine testing by the FDA revealed elevated levels of patulin, a naturally occurring substance produced by molds.
The recall notice stated that the levels exceed food safety limits and do not meet Wakefern’s quality standards.
Patulin is produced by molds that grow on damaged or bruised apples and may be present in products made from the affected fruit.
Because levels of patulin in the recalled applesauce products exceed acceptable limits, the product should not be consumed, officials warned.
The recall applies to Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce sold in 23-ounce plastic jar containers with the universal product code (UPC) 04119005677.
All recalled packages have a best-by date of June 16, 2027.
They were distributed through Wakefern supermarkets ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway market.
A major mold concern generally seen in apples is Penicillium expansum, the mold responsible for blue mold rot (stock image)
No other product sold at these stories is impacted by the recall and no illnesses have been associated with the recall.
Maureen Gillespie, spokesperson for Wakefern Food Corp, said customers who have this product should return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
The FDA recall notice stated: ‘The issue was identified through routine monitoring by the FDA.
‘Food safety standards limit the amount of patulin permitted in food products due to potential health concerns associated with elevated exposure over time.’
Patulin is a mycotoxin and there are several species. It is not known what species is of concern in regards to the apple recall.
However, a major mold concern generally seen in apples is Penicillium expansum, the mold responsible for blue mold rot.
It is particularly associated with apples and foods derived from apples, such as applesauce.
The main culprit is the mold growing on apples that have been damaged, bruised or begun to rot. Mold can then enter the apples and produce patulin as the fruit decays.
The recall applies to Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce sold in 23-ounce plastic jar containers
Then, if the apples are used to make other products such as sauce or juice, the toxin can then end up in the final product.
Processing the apples doesn’t rid them of the toxin.
Experimental studies have found patulin can have negative side effects on the gastrointestinal tract, immune system and nervous system.
Studies on the effects in humans are limited, but it is known that patulin is highly reactive and can interfere with normal cellular functions.
High exposure is mainly associated with toxicity in the GI tract.
The FDA has set a limit of 50 parts per billion for patulin in apple juice, concentrates and apple juice products. It is not known what level was found in the recalled products.
It’s unclear how many Americans are exposed to patulin each year as US health agencies do not routinely track human patulin exposure.
There is no specific antidote for patulin exposure, so medical care for someone who becomes ill after eating contaminated food would generally focus on evaluating and managing their symptoms.