Jar of organic apple sauce on a kitchen counter next to bruised apples, representing the Wholesome Pantry apple sauce patulin recall

Wholesome Pantry Apple Sauce Recall: Check Your Jar for This Mold Toxin

ByYour-First-10

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Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce was recalled after FDA testing found elevated levels of patulin, a mold toxin.

What Was Recalled

The recall covers Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce sold in 23-ounce plastic jars.

Here’s what to look for:

UPC code: 04119005677
Best-by date: June 16, 2027

Every jar carrying that best-by date is included in the recall, according to the FDA notice posted September 22, 2026.

Why It Was Recalled

The recall traces back to patulin, a mycotoxin that forms in apples damaged by mold, bruising, or rot before they’re processed.

It isn’t a bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria. It’s a chemical compound, and food safety regulators set limits on how much can legally be in apple-based products like juice and sauce.

Wakefern says the issue was caught through routine FDA monitoring, not a consumer complaint or a reported illness. As of this writing, no illnesses have been linked to the product.

The FDA and food safety experts note that occasional exposure to low levels of patulin is not considered an acute emergency. The concern is with repeated, elevated exposure over time, which is why regulators keep a firm cap on it, especially in products marketed to families and often served to young children.

Person checking the best-by date and UPC code on an apple sauce jar in a home pantry during the Wholesome Pantry recall Consumers with the recalled 23-ounce jars should check the UPC code and June 16, 2027 best-by date before use.

Where the Recalled Apple Sauce Was Sold

The apple sauce was distributed to stores across nine states: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

It was sold under the Wakefern-owned banners ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market.

What To Do If You Have This Apple Sauce

  1. Stop serving it, especially to kids. Applesauce is a staple lunchbox and toddler food, so check any open or unopened jars in your pantry or fridge.
  2. Check the UPC and best-by date. Compare the code on your jar to UPC 04119005677 and the June 16, 2027 best-by date.
  3. Don’t eat it, but don’t panic either. If you or your child already ate some, the FDA has not reported illnesses tied to this recall. Contact your pediatrician or doctor if you have specific health concerns.
  4. Return it for a refund. Bring the jar back to the store where you bought it for a full refund or replacement, or contact Wakefern customer service at 1-800-ShopRite (1-800-746-7748), Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For context on how other recent recalls have played out, see our coverage of the Walmart mango recall and the Outshine fruit bars recall.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have the recalled apple sauce?

Check the brand (Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce), the 23-ounce jar size, the UPC code 04119005677, and the June 16, 2027 best-by date printed on the lid or label.

Is patulin dangerous?

Patulin is a mold toxin regulators cap in apple products because repeated, elevated exposure over time is linked to health concerns. A single accidental serving is not considered a medical emergency, but you should stop using any recalled product and consult a doctor if you have concerns, especially for young children.

Were there any reported illnesses?

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall as of the FDA’s September 22, 2026 announcement.

What should I do with the jar?

Do not eat it. Return it to your place of purchase for a refund, or contact Wakefern at 1-800-ShopRite for help.

Is this the same as other recent apple product recalls?

No. This is a separate recall from other apple-related recalls reported this year. Always check the specific brand, UPC, and best-by date against the current FDA notice rather than assuming a recall applies to a different product.

Bottom Line

This is a regional recall limited to Wakefern’s store banners in the Northeast, and no illnesses have been reported. Still, if Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce is in your pantry, it takes thirty seconds to check the UPC and best-by date against the recall notice, and it’s worth doing before the next lunchbox gets packed.

Read the full official recall notice on FDA.gov.

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