FDA - Food and Drug Administration

09/22/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2026 12:57

Wholesome Pantry (Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce/Wakefern Food Corp.) Recall reason: Elevated levels of patulin

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT

Wakefern Food Corp. Voluntarily Recalls Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce

When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

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Summary

Company Announcement Date: September 14, 2026 FDA Publish Date: September 22, 2026 Product Type: Food & Beverages Reason for Announcement:
Recall Reason Description
Elevated levels of patulin
Company Name: Wakefern Food Corp. Brand Name:
Brand Name(s)
Wholesome Pantry
Product Description:
Product Description
Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce

Company Announcement

KEASBEY, N.J. (Sept. 14, 2026) - Wakefern Food Corp. has voluntarily recalled select containers of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce after routine FDA testing identified elevated patulin levels that exceed food safety limits and do not meet Wakefern's quality standards.

Patulin is a naturally occurring substance produced by molds that grow on damaged or bruised apples and may be present in products made from affected fruit. Because patulin levels in this product exceed acceptable limits, the product should not be consumed.

The recall affects Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce sold in 23-ounce plastic jar containers with the UPC Code 04119005677. All recalled packages have a best-by date of June 16, 2027.

The products were distributed through Wakefern supermarket banners ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market. No other products sold at those supermarkets are affected by this recall, and no illnesses or injuries associated with the product have been reported.

The issue was identified through routine monitoring by the FDA. Food safety standards limit the amount of patulin permitted in food products due to potential health concerns associated with elevated exposure over time.

"Customers who purchased the recalled product can return it to the store for an immediate refund or replacement," said Maureen Gillespie, spokesperson for Wakefern Food Corp.

Customers who purchased the apple sauce should check the label and best-by date on any product they may still have at home. Customers with questions or concerns may contact 1-800-ShopRite (1-800-746-7748) Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9-5.

About Wakefern Food Corp.From a small, local cooperative that began with eight grocery store owners, Wakefern Food Corp. has grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. Founded in 1946, the cooperative is made up of members who today independently own and operate hundreds of supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Di Bruno Bros., and Morton Williams banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. For more information, please visit https://www.wakefern.com.

Company Contact Information

Consumers: (800) 746-7748) More information
Official URL
www.wakefern.com
Media: Karen O'Shea (732) 906-5932

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FDA - Food and Drug Administration published this content on September 22, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 22, 2026 at 18:57 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]