Wakefern Food Corp. has recalled select 23-ounce jars of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce after routine FDA testing found elevated levels of patulin. The FDA published the notice on September 22, 2026, and consumers are being told not to eat the affected product.
The recalled jars carry one specific UPC and one best-by date. No illnesses or injuries had been reported when the announcement was posted, but shoppers should check cupboards, refrigerators and packed lunches now because applesauce can remain in a home for months.
Recall at a glance
- Product: Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce
- Container: 23-ounce plastic jar
- UPC: 04119005677
- Best-by date: June 16, 2027
- Reason: Elevated patulin levels found during routine FDA testing
- Action: Do not consume it; return it for an immediate refund or replacement
- Illness reports: None reported in the company announcement
Wakefern’s official recall announcement says no other products sold at the affected supermarket banners are included. That means the product name, package size, UPC and best-by date all matter when deciding whether a jar is part of this recall.
Wholesome Pantry recalled jar label
The front label identifies the product as Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce in a 23-ounce jar. The recalled UPC is 04119005677. Shoppers should match every identifier instead of relying only on the color or shape of the container.
If the brand, size, UPC or date differs, the jar is not the product described in this announcement. When the label is damaged or unreadable, set the product aside and ask the retailer to confirm it rather than guessing.
Where the recalled applesauce was sold
Wakefern distributed the product through ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market. These banners operate across several northeastern states, so the recall is not limited to one individual store.
Wakefern’s company profile lists supermarkets in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The recall notice does not say every location in every state sold the affected lot, so checking the jar remains more reliable than assuming it is safe based on where it was purchased.
Best-by date on the recalled jar lid
The affected best-by date is June 16, 2027, printed on the lid. A matching date alone is not enough: confirm that the product is the 23-ounce Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce and that the UPC is 04119005677.
What is patulin?
The FDA notice describes patulin as a naturally occurring substance produced by molds that can grow on damaged or bruised apples. It may be present in products made from affected fruit. Wakefern said the level detected in this applesauce exceeded food-safety limits, so the recalled product should not be consumed.
This is a product-specific recall, not a warning against applesauce generally. The practical response is to identify the listed jar accurately, stop using it and follow the retailer’s return instructions.
What shoppers should do now
- Stop eating the applesauce immediately if every identifying detail matches.
- Keep the jar closed and separate from food that family members may use by mistake.
- Take a photo of the front label, UPC and lid date before returning it.
- Return the jar to the store for an immediate refund or replacement.
- Check lunch bags, pantry bins and secondary refrigerators for another jar from the same purchase.
- Tell anyone who shares groceries in the household, especially caregivers or relatives who may serve the product to children.
The recall notice does not instruct consumers to taste or smell the applesauce to judge safety. Mold-related contamination is not something shoppers should try to confirm at home.
What if someone already ate it?
Wakefern reported no associated illnesses or injuries at the time of the announcement. Anyone who feels unwell or has a health concern after consuming the recalled product should contact a medical professional for individualized advice. Consumers can also report a product problem to the FDA through its safety-reporting portal.
Refund and contact information
Customers can return the recalled jar to the store for an immediate refund or replacement. Wakefern directs questions to 1-800-ShopRite (1-800-746-7748), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you need a replacement pantry option after returning the jar, you can compare organic unsweetened applesauce options on Amazon. Check the seller, package size and current product information before ordering.
As an Amazon Associate, ReaderSpice earns from qualifying purchases.
The bottom line
Check Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce in 23-ounce jars for UPC 04119005677 and a June 16, 2027 best-by date. Do not consume a matching jar. Return it to the retailer for a refund or replacement, and use the official FDA notice if you need to compare the package photos.
Sources
FDA: Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce recall
FDA: Current recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts