If you have a jar of Wholesome Pantry organic unsweetened applesauce at home, you may want to check the label. Wakefern Food Corp. recalled some jars after Food and Drug Administration testing found elevated levels of patulin, a mold-related toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach irritation.
Here's what to know
The Keasbey, New Jersey, company said no illnesses or injuries had been reported. As Good Housekeeping reported, it voluntarily recalled certain jars of the applesauce after a routine FDA check.
The applesauce was sold under several grocery banners, including ShopRite, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, and Price Rite Marketplace. Affected jars were 23-ounce plastic containers with UPC 04119005677, item code 010780115, and a best-by date of June 16, 2027.
When mold grows on bruised or decaying apples, it can produce patulin, a type of mycotoxin. If those apples are then used to make applesauce, the finished food can carry the toxin.
What can be done?
Before eating any Wholesome Pantry organic unsweetened applesauce, compare the jar's size, UPC, item code, and best-by date with the recall information to check whether it's part of the recalled lot.
For jars that match the recall details, the company said consumers can bring them back to the store where they were purchased for a refund or replacement. Wakefern also directed consumers with questions to call ShopRite at 1-800-ShopRite (1-800-746-7748).
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People who have already eaten the applesauce and experience symptoms including nausea, vomiting, or stomach irritation should reach out to a health care provider.
Where can I learn more?
This recall is one of several food-safety alerts involving pantry staples and packaged groceries.
• Across 40 states, officials found contamination in peanut butter containers and issued a recall.
• Costco and Publix pulled over 4,000 cases of salad dressing and sauce.
• In Ireland, officials warned shoppers to not eat batches of coconut.
• Lidl recalled snack bars after tests found plastic in the products.
• The FDA flagged over 60,000 pounds of oats after plastic was discovered.
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