Winn Dixie Recalls Apple Juice Because of Patulin

Winn-Dixie, a southern supermarket chain is recalling organic apple juice because of patulin, a mycotoxin (toxic fungal metabolite). Patulin is produced by certain mold species, including Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byccochlamus and can be found in fruit, most often apples. FDA has a limit of 50 ug/L in apple juice. 

At high does, it can be acutely toxic, but at lower levels, there is concern it may be a carcinogen, although studies are inconclusive. It is controlled through the prevention of using rotten apples from being processed into products like apple juice. This is accomplished through good pre and post-harvest practices, and the removal of any moldy or rotten fruit prior to processing.


Winn-Dixie Issues Voluntary Recall On Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm347979.htm?source=govdelivery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -April 12, 2013 - Winn-Dixie today announced an immediate voluntary recall of 64 FL OZ Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice. The product is being recalled as a precaution because it could have levels of “patulin” that exceeds FDA limits. Winn-Dixie has received no reports of any issues associated with Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice consumption.

Patulin is a mycotoxin, a by-product of some molds that can grow in fruits and vegetables. The possibility of adverse health consequences resulting from this product is very remote. However, the FDA has determined that products made from concentrate with a patulin level of over 50 parts per billion are subject to a voluntary recall.

Out of an abundance of caution for customers, Winn-Dixie is immediately recalling “64 FL OZ Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice from Concentrate with Added Ingredient.” The recall is companywide for Winn-Dixie stores in the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Recalled Item	UPC	Size
Winn-Dixie Organic 100% Apple Juice	2114021626	64 FL OZ

Exp. Dates: Between 1/15/2014 and 3/25/2014

"We encourage customers in possession of any of the recalled item to immediately discard the product or bring it back to their store,” said Brian Wright, senior director of Winn-Dixie Corporate Communications. “Customers who have purchased the product may visit their neighborhood Winn-Dixie to request a full refund, no questions asked.”

To receive the refund, customers may present proof of purchase through a receipt or the product packaging label.

Consumers with questions about the recalled products may contact the Winn-Dixie Customer Service Center toll free at 1.866.WINN-DIXIE (866.946.6349) Mon. – Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST; and Sat., 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST.

About Winn-Dixie

Winn-Dixie is a subsidiary of BI-LO Holding, which is the ninth-largest traditional supermarket chain in the United States. Under the banner names of BI-LO and Winn-Dixie, the company employs nearly 60,000 associates who serve customers in 686 grocery stores and 484 in-store pharmacies throughout the eight southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. BI-LO and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and loyal associates, and strong commitments to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, please visit www.bi-lo.com^{1 2} and www.winn-dixie.com^{3 4}.

To find the closest Winn-Dixie store, visit http://www.winndixie.com/Store_Locations/Search.asp^{5 6}.