Organic Apple Sauce Recalled Over Mold Byproduct Levels
Consumers are urged to check their pantries for specific jars of Wholesome Pantry apple sauce after a recent safety recall.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Organic Food
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Wakefern Food Corp. has issued a voluntary recall for Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce due to elevated levels of patulin, a toxin produced by mold. The affected 23-ounce jars were sold across several states at retailers including ShopRite and Price Rite Marketplace.
Why it matters
Patulin is a mycotoxin that can exceed acceptable safety limits in apple products, necessitating this recall to prevent potential health risks. No illnesses or injuries have been reported, but removing the item from household circulation is a standard precaution.
Routine FDA monitoring identified elevated concentrations of the mycotoxin patulin, which exceeds established safety thresholds for processed fruit products. The safety limit for this toxin is strictly regulated by federal agencies to ensure consumer protection.
The players
Wakefern Food Corp.
A major retailer-owned cooperative that oversees a wide network of grocery store chains.
Food and Drug Administration
The federal agency responsible for monitoring food safety and enforcing regulatory standards for contaminants.
The details
Patulin is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by various types of mold that can grow on fruit, including apples. During the manufacturing of apple sauce, if contaminated fruit is processed, the toxin can persist in the final product. The FDA conducts routine surveillance of food items to ensure that these toxin levels remain within strict limits, as excessive exposure can be harmful to consumers.
Timeline
September 14, 2026: The recall was formally announced by Wakefern Food Corp.
June 16, 2027: This is the printed best-by date on all affected 23-ounce jars.
Health Landscape
This recall aligns with the FDA's Action Levels for Poisonous or Deleterious Substances in Human Food, which mandates removal of products containing harmful mold byproducts. It highlights the ongoing role of federal surveillance in maintaining safety standards within the organic food industry.
Check your pantry for 23-ounce jars of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce with UPC 04119005677 and a best-by date of June 16, 2027. If you find this product, do not consume it and return the jar to your place of purchase for a full refund or replacement.
The takeaway
When a food recall is issued for safety concerns like mycotoxin contamination, the most reliable path is to remove the item from your home immediately. If you have questions about the safety of products sold at your local retailer, you can contact the manufacturer at 1-800-746-7748.
Further reading
For more information on the standards governing product safety, visit our Organic Food resource page.
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