Martinelli's Apple Juice Recall: Inorganic Arsenic Levels Exceed FDA Standards

Martinelli's apple juice recall inorganic arsenic FDA standards arsenic levels

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald May 01, 11:30 am

Photo: (Photo : Scott Olson / Getty Images )

Martinelli's apple juice recall has been implemented for surpassing the FDA standards of harmful arsenic levels.

The apple juice product affected can be identified through its best by date of either March 9, 2026, or March 20, 2026, was distributed to major retailers nationwide like Kroger, Publix, Target, Winn-Dixie, and Whole Foods.

Martinelli's Apple Juice Recall

Martinelli's has issued a recall for a specific lot of its apple juice due to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic, surpassing the standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, the exact size of the impacted lot has not been disclosed, it was distributed to stores between March 13, 2023, and September 27, 2023, with individual bottles retailing for around $18 at Kroger and Winn-Dixie.

The State of Maryland conducted tests on a sample from this lot and discovered higher-than-acceptable levels of inorganic arsenic, which can cause acute arsenic poisoning, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, as warned by the World Health Organization.

Martinelli's, based in Watsonville, California, has confirmed no reported illnesses associated with this recall.

They have urged retailers to halt sales and distribution of the affected one-liter bottles and provided clear instructions for managing inventory.

This recall follows the FDA's recent adjustment of the industry action level for inorganic arsenic in apple juice, aligning it with water quality standards.

The Maryland Department of Health's analysis found that the arsenic levels in Martinelli's March 2023 production exceeded this revised action level by 1.6 parts per billion.

Inorganic Arsenic Levels

Aside from Martinelli's products, PepsiCo's product is also being recalled. PepsiCo, another well-known beverage company, recently initiated a recall of its Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale due to an unexpected presence of sugar.

Shortly after, the company withdrew another soda from sale due to mislabeling. Over 2,000 cases of Mug Root Beer were recalled when it was discovered that the cans actually contained Mug Zero Sugar root beer.

The recall began on March 22, with the FDA announcing their investigation last week.

The affected products, totaling 2,801 12-pack cases of soda, were distributed across several states including Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

These items can be identified by the code JUL2224XXXXAS02234 and a best by date of July 22, 2024, on the case packaging.

However, PepsiCo has reassured consumers that there are no impacted products currently available for sale on store shelves.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be found in food due to environmental factors such as soil, air, and water contamination.

Human activities like past pesticide use or pollution from mining and industrial processes can also contribute to arsenic presence.

Inorganic arsenic exposure is linked to various health issues like cancer, diabetes, adverse birth outcomes, and cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental effects.

The FDA standards establish action levels to guide the industry on acceptable contamination levels in unavoidable situations, although these levels don't permit contamination where avoidable.

The FDA monitors arsenic levels in apple juice, and if inorganic arsenic surpasses 10 ppb in testing, the FDA may take enforcement action, considering this along with other factors. Lower arsenic levels are prioritized for public health protection.

Consumers who bought the affected product should discontinue its use and dispose of it immediately. For inquiries, Martinelli's can be reached at 1-800-662-1868.

No illnesses have been reported as a result of the recall, as stated by the Watsonville, California-based company in their announcement letter to grocery stores dated April 16th.