US Applesauce Recall Targets One Size and Best-By Date Over Patulin

Wakefern Food Corp. has voluntarily recalled select Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce after routine testing by the US Food and Drug Administration found elevated patulin levels. The company announced the action on 14 September, and the FDA posted its notice on 22 September. Patulin is a substance produced by some molds that can grow on damaged apples; the company says the level found exceeds food safety limits.

The affected product is the 23-ounce plastic jar with UPC 04119005677 and a best-by date of June 16, 2027. Wakefern says the jars were distributed through ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market. It says no other products sold at those supermarkets are included in this recall, and no associated illnesses or injuries had been reported when the notice was issued.

The practical check is the combination of brand, product, container size, UPC and best-by date. A similar-looking jar with different identifying details should not automatically be treated as part of this action. Consumers who have the recalled jar should not consume it; Wakefern says they can return it to the store for a refund or replacement. The absence of reported illness does not change the recall’s instruction, which is based on the test result rather than a confirmed outbreak.