Clearwater, FL — Martinelli’s Apple Juice Recalled Over Contamination Concern

Clearwater, FL (April 29th, 2025) – S. Martinelli & Co. has issued a recall of over 170,000 bottles of its apple juice. Consumers are urged not to consume the juice due to a potential contamination with patulin, a mycotoxin produced by mold that can cause health issues.

At Light & Wyatt Law Group, we stay on top of product recalls and consumer safety alerts to protect families throughout Clearwater and the surrounding communities. If you or someone you care about became ill after consuming a recalled or contaminated product like Martinelli’s apple juice, contact our office. We’re prepared to help you pursue compensation and hold negligent manufacturers and distributors accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

What Products Were Recalled?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the product recall affects 10-ounce glass bottles of Martinelli’s apple juice sold in four-packs. The affected products have a best-by date of December 26, 2026.

The recall was initiated after routine FDA testing found elevated levels of patulin in a specific lot of apple juice produced in December 2023. Patulin, if ingested in high levels, can cause gastrointestinal and other health issues. 

To date, no health issues have been reported due to consumption of the affected juice packs. Martinelli’s has fully cooperated with the FDA, and has confirmed all affected products have been removed from retailers’ inventories.

Understanding the Risks of Patulin

Patulin is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by molds, primarily penicillium, aspergillus, and byssochlamys. Such molds often grow on apples and other fruits when they are damaged or improperly stored. While this toxin can be filtered out during juice processing, contamination sometimes occurs when infected fruit slips through quality control.

Short-Term Health Effects of Patulin Exposure

The most immediate concern for consumers is acute exposure. Ingesting high levels of patulin in a single instance can lead to:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Ulcers in the small intestine
• Skin inflammation

Children are especially vulnerable due to their lower body weight and developing immune systems. Even a small quantity of tainted juice may cause distress in younger individuals or those with underlying conditions.

Long-Term Health Concerns

While short-term effects tend to resolve once the toxin is flushed from the body, long-term exposure, even at lower doses, may raise more serious red flags.

Studies have shown that prolonged ingestion of patulin may result in:

• Damage to the immune system
• Disruption of gut microbiota
• Kidney and liver stress
• Genotoxic effects, or DNA damage

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health authorities have raised concerns about chronic exposure, especially in populations with high juice consumption habits. Conclusive data in humans is limited. The toxin’s ability to interfere with cellular DNA has prompted strict regulatory limits worldwide.

In the U.S., the FDA limits patulin levels in apple juice to more than 50 parts per billion. The Martinelli’s product in question reportedly exceeded this threshold, triggering the voluntary recall.

At-Risk Groups in Clearwater

In Clearwater, and across Florida, parents, schools, and elder care facilities should pay particular attention to the products they serve. Young children, pregnant individuals, and elderly residents are more susceptible to the adverse effects of mycotoxins. A contaminated product in a school lunchroom or assisted living center could easily go unnoticed until symptoms appear.

Even if a bottle appears sealed and looks safe, patulin contamination isn’t visible to the naked eye. There’s no noticeable difference in the taste, color, or smell of products contaminated with this toxin.

Legal Recourse for Clearwater Residents Affected by the Martinelli’s Recall

If you or someone in your household consumed the recalled Martinelli’s apple juice and experienced health issues, there are steps you can take – legally and medically. Manufacturers are required to ensure the safety of their products before they hit store shelves. When that doesn’t happen, they can be held accountable under Florida product liability laws.

Can You Sue Over Contaminated Juice?

Consumers who become ill after drinking the contaminated apple juice may be able to take legal action. In Florida, product liability typically falls under three main categories:

Defective Manufacturing

Defective manufacturing applies when something goes wrong in the production or packaging process. Even if the product line is safe, one contaminated batch may be enough to trigger liability if someone is harmed.

In the case of Martinelli’s recalled apple juice, the issue appears to fall under defective manufacturing. Therefore, if you became ill after consuming juice from the recalled lot, you may have a right to pursue compensation for your associated losses.

Defective Design

Defective design refers to flaws built into the product from the start, or problems that exist in every unit made. This category may apply when a product’s design makes it unsafe, even when manufactured correctly. Consider poorly sealed bottles that allow toxins to grow or packaging that degrades or leaks harmful chemicals. Tuna recalled over faulty lids and the risk of botulism, for example, may fall into the defective design category.

Failure to Warn

Manufacturers must clearly inform consumers of potential risks. If they know, or reasonably should have known, that their products were unsafe and didn’t provide warnings or take steps to reduce exposure, they could be held liable. Warning labels, recalls, and timely public notices are all part of a company’s legal obligation.

How Light & Wyatt Law Group Can Help

Product liability cases require technical evidence and expert analysis. At Light & Wyatt Law Group, we help Clearwater families navigate these claims with clarity. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers work with toxicologists, medical professionals, and product safety consultants to uncover what happened and determine how it impacted you or your child. To learn more about your options, contact our law group today at 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association