Mott’s Applesauce Recalled From Kentucky Grocery Stores (And 23 Other States) Due to ‘Patulin’ – What Is It?

Emily Fay

August 2, 2023

Mott’s has announced a voluntary recall of thousands of cases of their Mott’s Applesauce due to health risks posed by the elevated patulin levels in the applesauce. Products affected by the recall are Mott’s Applesauce 3.9 oz. cups, distributed in 23.4 oz. packs of 6 cups to 24 states. More information on recalled products found here: https://bit.ly/44MWXAo

According to the FDA, patulin is a mycotoxin, a toxin produced by fungi or molds. Not all mycotoxins are concerning, but patulin is. The patulin mycotoxin is produced by molds that grow on grains, cheese, and fruit. The best-known example of patulin is when it contaminates juice or cider made from apples. When moldy apples or groups of exposed apples are used, the risk of patulin contamination increases. All it takes is one bad apple to spoil the batch. Patulin can even spread to other nearby foods and survives at refrigerated temperatures.

Drinking, eating or consuming contaminated apple juice, apples, or applesauce can produce symptoms of patulin exposure, including nausea, vomiting, and even risk damaging the DNA in some of the body’s cells, known as genotoxicity.

No illnesses have been reported yet concerning patulin contamination and the Mott’s Applesauce recall. However, the company urges customers not to consume the product and immediately throw out any applesauce that fits the above description.