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Key Points
Wakefern Food Corp. recalled Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Applesauce after FDA testing detected elevated patulin levels, a toxic mold-produced chemical that can cause serious GI symptoms.The recalled product is a 23-ounce plastic jar with UPC 04119005677, item code 010780115, and best-by date June 16, 2027, sold at ShopRite, Price Rite, Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market.Consumers should not eat the recalled applesauce and can return it for a refund or replacement; contact ShopRite at 1-800-ShopRite if symptoms develop, though no illnesses have been reported.
If you’ve you picked up unsweetened applesauce recently, check your jar.
On September 15, Good Housekeeping confirmed with the company Wakefern Food Corp. of Keasbey, NJ that it is voluntarily recalling some of its Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce after following routine U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing, which found elevated levels of patulin, a naturally naturally occurring mycotoxin in the product.
Patulin is a toxic chemical contaminant that’s produced by mold, such as on a rotting, bruised, apple. If an apple contaminated by patulin is used in a product like applesauce, patulin can be present in that product, too. If you consume patulin, you can experience GI symptoms including vomiting, nausea, and stomach irritation. Thankfully, there are no reports of illness or injury linked to the recall to date.
How can you tell if you bought the specific applesauce in the recall?
Wakefern reports that the recalled applesauce is in 23-ounce plastic jars with the following information on each jar:
UPC Code 04119005677Item code: 010780115Best-by date: June 16, 2027
The applesauce was distributed through supermarket banners, or individual store brand names, on the product label. The grocery stores that sold the product are:
ShopRitePrice Rite MarketplaceThe Fresh GrocerGourmet GarageFairway MarketWhat should you do if you bought the recalled applesauce?
Don’t eat it. If you have consumed some and experience any symptoms, contact your health care provider right away. You can return the recalled applesauce to the store you bought it from for an on-the-spot refund or replacement. You can also call ShopRite if you have any questions at 1-800-ShopRite (1-800-746-7748), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
