Wholesome Pantry Apple Sauce Recalled Over Elevated Patulin

Wakefern Food Corp. has recalled select 23 ounce jars of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce after routine testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found elevated levels of patulin. The company announcement is dated September 14, 2026, and the FDA published it on September 22.

The recall is limited to Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce in 23 ounce plastic jars bearing UPC 04119005677 and a best by date of June 16, 2027. Wakefern said no other products sold by the affected supermarket banners are included.

The jars were distributed through ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market. That distribution footprint makes the label details important, because the recall does not apply to every apple sauce product or every item sold by those retailers.

Patulin is a naturally occurring substance produced by molds that can grow on damaged or bruised apples. The FDA notice says the levels detected in this product exceeded food safety limits, so the recalled apple sauce should not be consumed.

Wakefern said the issue was identified through routine FDA monitoring. At the time of the announcement, the company reported no illnesses or injuries associated with the product, a distinction that matters because a recall signals a risk control action and does not by itself establish that consumers were harmed.

Consumers should check both the UPC and best by date. Wakefern advised customers who bought the recalled jars to return them to the store for an immediate refund or replacement, and provided its customer service number for questions.

For processors and retailers, the episode shows the operational value of finished product monitoring for contaminants that may originate in incoming fruit. It also demonstrates why a precise recall notice needs brand, package size, code and date information rather than a broad warning about an entire product category.

The practical message is narrow and clear. Owners of the specified 23 ounce jars should not consume them, while shoppers should avoid treating unrelated Wholesome Pantry products or other apple sauce brands as part of this recall unless a regulator issues additional information.