Organic Applesauce Recalled After Testing Detects Elevated Mold-Related Toxin

A popular organic applesauce sold through several major supermarket chains is being recalled after routine testing found elevated levels of patulin, a toxin that can be produced by mold growing on apples.

Wakefern Food Corp. announced the voluntary recall of select containers of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce after testing conducted as part of routine food-safety monitoring detected patulin levels above applicable limits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the recall notice on Sept. 22, 2026, following the company's Sept. 14 announcement.

Consumers who may have purchased the affected applesauce are advised to check the product information carefully before eating it.

Which Applesauce Is Included in the Recall?

The recall applies to a specific Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce product packaged in 23-ounce plastic jars.

Consumers should look for the following identifying information:

• Brand: Wholesome Pantry
• Product: Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce
• Package size: 23 ounces
• UPC: 04119005677
• Best-by date: June 16, 2027

According to the FDA and Wakefern, the recall does not apply to other Wholesome Pantry products or other products sold by the affected supermarket chains.

Because product recalls can involve specific batches or package identifiers, consumers should compare the UPC and best-by date rather than assuming every jar of the same brand is affected.

Where Was the Recalled Product Sold?

The affected applesauce was distributed through several supermarket banners operated by Wakefern members.

Those retailers include:

• ShopRite
• Price Rite Marketplace
• The Fresh Grocer
• Gourmet Garage
• Fairway Market

Wakefern's cooperative members operate supermarkets across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

The company said that no other products sold at the listed supermarket banners are included in this particular recall.

Why Is Patulin a Concern?

Patulin is a naturally occurring substance associated with certain molds. According to the FDA, the toxin can develop when mold grows on damaged or bruised apples and may subsequently be present in foods made from affected fruit.

The concern in this recall is not simply the presence of mold on an apple. Rather, testing detected patulin at levels exceeding food-safety limits in the affected applesauce.

The FDA has previously addressed patulin in apple juice and related products because elevated exposure can present health concerns. Its guidance identifies 50 micrograms per kilogram, or 50 parts per billion, as a regulatory level relevant to certain apple juice products.

The agency's guidance specifically concerns single-strength apple juice and certain foods containing apple juice, so consumers should not automatically apply that threshold to every applesauce product. The important point in this recall is that FDA testing determined the affected product contained patulin above the applicable food-safety limits.

No Illnesses Reported

At the time of the recall announcement, no illnesses or injuries had been reported in connection with the recalled applesauce.

That does not change the company's recommendation that consumers avoid eating the affected product. Wakefern said the product should not be consumed because its patulin levels exceed acceptable limits.

Food recalls are often issued as a precaution after testing identifies a potential safety problem, even when consumers have not reported illnesses. In this case, the issue was identified through routine FDA monitoring.

What Should Consumers Do?

Anyone who has Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce at home should check the jar before consuming it.

If the container is a 23-ounce jar with UPC 04119005677 and a best-by date of June 16, 2027, it matches the recalled product.

Consumers should not eat the recalled applesauce. Wakefern says affected containers can be returned to the store where they were purchased for a refund or replacement.

If you are unsure whether your jar is included, compare both the UPC and best-by date with the information in the official recall notice.

Consumers with questions can contact 1-800-ShopRite at 1-800-746-7748. Wakefern lists customer-service hours as 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

What This Recall Does—and Does Not—Mean

The recall is limited to specifically identified containers of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce.

It does not mean that all applesauce products are affected, nor does it mean that every product sold at ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, or Fairway Market is subject to a recall.

Wakefern specifically stated that no other products sold at those supermarket banners are included in this recall.

Consumers therefore do not need to assume that other foods in their pantry are affected simply because they were purchased at one of the listed stores.

Why Checking Recall Details Matters

Food recalls can involve only certain sizes, UPC numbers, lot codes, or dates. Checking the exact identifying information is therefore important.

In this case, the combination of the 23-ounce package size, UPC 04119005677, and June 16, 2027, best-by date provides consumers with a straightforward way to determine whether their jar is part of the recall.

The recall also illustrates why routine food testing plays an important role in identifying potential problems before widespread illness is reported. According to the FDA notice, routine testing detected the elevated patulin levels, prompting Wakefern to recall the affected product.

The Bottom Line

Consumers who purchased Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce should take a moment to inspect their jars.

The recalled product is a 23-ounce container with UPC 04119005677 and a best-by date of June 16, 2027. It was distributed through ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market.

The recall was issued after FDA testing identified elevated levels of patulin, a mold-related toxin associated with apples. No illnesses or injuries had been reported in connection with the product when the recall was announced.

Consumers with matching containers should not eat the product and can return it to the store of purchase for a refund or replacement.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Wakefern Food Corp. recall notice for Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce.
• Wakefern Food Corp.: Company information and consumer recall guidance as reproduced in the FDA an