Martinelli’s Apple Juice Recall Issued Due to High Levels of Toxic Arsenic

Inorganic arsenic in the apple juice could impact a child’s brain development, lowering IQ and increasing the risk of cancer.

A recall has been issued for one lot of Martinelli’s apple juice, after high levels of toxic arsenic were detected in the bottles, which may pose serious health and developmental problems for children.

S. Martinelli & Company announced the apple juice recall (PDF) on April 16, after the State of Maryland tested samples that contained 11.6 parts per billion (ppb) for inorganic arsenic. The amounts detected are 1.6ppb higher than new U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) arsenic guidelines established in June 2023, which lowered the acceptable level for inorganic arsenic in apple juice form 23 ppb to 10 ppb.

Arsenic is a known human carcinogen which is measured according to organic and inorganic levels. Inorganic arsenic is toxic to humans at high levels or over long periods of time, and has been associated with long term health effects, including cancer, heart disease and death. Organic arsenic quickly passes through the body and is not harmful to humans.

Federal health officials lowered the acceptable amounts after toxic levels of arsenic and other heavy metals have been found in fruit juices, carrots, and sweet potatoes distributed by various manufacturers in recent years, raising concerns about the impact they may have an infant’s brain, IQ, and long-term risk of cancer.

The Martinelli Apple Juice recall affects one liter glass bottles with a best buy date of “09MAR2026” or “10MAR2026”, noted on the front of each bottle. The recalled bottles were shipped between March 13, 2023 and September 27, 2023.

To date, no illnesses or incidents have been linked to the recalled apple juice bottles, and no other products are affected. The company indicates the FDA has been informed of the recall.

All distributors are advised to immediately stop selling the affected juice, remove the bottles from store shelves, and immediately contact stores and consumers that purchased the products so they can be returned to Martinelli’s. If consumers have any questions they can contact Martinelli’s at 1-800-662-1868.