Wakefern Recalls Wholesome Pantry Organic Apple Sauce 2026

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Quick Answer: Wakefern Food Corp. voluntarily recalls Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce, a 23-ounce jar product, after FDA testing found elevated patulin levels exceeding safe thresholds. The recalled product was sold at ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market locations. No illnesses have been reported, but consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it for a full refund.

Key Takeaways

Wakefern Food Corp. voluntarily recalls Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce due to elevated patulin levels detected during FDA routine testing.
The recalled product is a 23-ounce jar of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce with a specific UPC code: 4114800232.
The product was sold at five banner stores: ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market.
Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by mold on damaged or rotting apples; the FDA sets a maximum level of 50 parts per billion (ppb) for apple juice and similar products.
No consumer illnesses or adverse health events linked to this recall have been reported as of 2026.
Consumers should not eat the product and should return it to the store of purchase for a full refund or replacement.
The recall was announced in September 2026 and is classified under FDA recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts.
Contact Wakefern Food Corp. directly at 1-800-ShopRite for questions or refund information.

What Is the Wholesome Pantry Apple Sauce Recall About?

Wakefern Food Corp. voluntarily recalls Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce because FDA testing identified elevated patulin levels in the product above acceptable safety limits. The recall affects 23-ounce jars distributed across the northeastern United States through five supermarket banners operated or affiliated with Wakefern.

The announcement was posted on the FDA’s official recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts page, which serves as the authoritative source for all regulated product safety actions. The Wholesome Pantry brand is Wakefern’s private-label organic line, sold exclusively through its network of affiliated stores. This recall is voluntary, meaning Wakefern Food Corp. initiated the action proactively after being notified of the FDA’s findings rather than waiting for a mandatory order.

What Is the Wholesome Pantry Apple Sauce Recall About?

Why Did Wakefern Recall Organic Apple Sauce, What Is Patulin?

The reason for the recall is elevated patulin levels found in the organic unsweetened apple sauce during FDA routine market surveillance. Patulin is a mycotoxin, a toxic compound produced by certain molds, particularly Penicillium expansum, which grows on damaged, bruised, or decaying apples used in apple-based food products.

The FDA sets a guidance level of 50 parts per billion (ppb) for patulin in apple juice and apple juice products, including apple sauce. Samples of the Wholesome Pantry product exceeded this threshold, triggering the voluntary recall. According to reporting by MedicalXpress, elevated patulin levels in food products raise concerns about potential gastrointestinal effects, particularly with repeated consumption. WTHR News described patulin as a mold compound that can form when apples are improperly processed or stored.

Common mistake: Many consumers assume “organic” labeling guarantees freedom from contamination. Organic certification governs pesticide use and farming practices, it does not prevent mold-related toxins from forming during processing or storage.

Which Wholesome Pantry Apple Sauce Products Are Affected and How to Check Product Codes

Only one specific product is involved in this recall. The affected item is:

Detail	Information
Brand	Wholesome Pantry
Product Name	Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce
Size	23 ounces
UPC Code	4114800232
Recall Reason	Elevated patulin levels

Consumers should check the UPC code on the bottom or back of the jar. If the number matches 4114800232, the product is part of the recall and should not be consumed. Good Housekeeping confirmed these product details in its coverage of the recall announcement. According to Courier Post Online, the recall was particularly relevant to New Jersey shoppers given Wakefern’s headquarters and distribution concentration in that state.

Where Was the Recalled Apple Sauce Sold?

The recalled product was sold at five supermarket banners affiliated with Wakefern Food Corp. These stores operate primarily across the northeastern United States. The distribution scope means shoppers in states including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and nearby states may have purchased the affected product.

The five store banners where the organic unsweetened apple sauce was sold include:

ShopRite, Wakefern’s primary banner with hundreds of locations across the Northeast
Price Rite Marketplace, a discount grocery format under the Wakefern umbrella
The Fresh Grocer, a full-service supermarket banner serving urban communities
Gourmet Garage, a specialty food retailer operating in the New York City area
Fairway Market, a well-known New York-area grocery chain

Fox Baltimore reported that Maryland residents who shop at affiliated banners should also check their pantry for the recalled jars.

How Do I Know If My Apple Sauce Is Part of the Recall?

Identifying whether your jar is part of the recall takes less than a minute. Check the UPC code printed on the jar, if it reads 4114800232, your product is recalled. The product will be labeled as Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce in a 23-ounce jar.

If you purchased the product at ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, or Fairway Market and the jar matches the description and UPC code, do not consume it. Yahoo News advised consumers to check their pantry immediately after the recall announcement. The Sunday Guardian Live also published guidance on how to return affected products.

What Should You Do If You Bought Recalled Wholesome Pantry Apple Sauce?

Consumers who purchased the recalled product should stop using it immediately and return it to the store where it was bought for a full refund or replacement. No receipt is required for most store returns under a recall.

Follow these steps:

Stop using the product, do not eat any remaining apple sauce from the recalled jar.
Check the UPC code, confirm it matches 4114800232.
Return the jar to any ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, or Fairway Market location.
Request a full refund or replacement, store staff are instructed to process recall returns without a receipt.
Contact Wakefern Food Corp. at 1-800-ShopRite Monday through Friday during business hours if you have questions about the recall, your refund, or related safety information.

The FDA’s recall announcement confirms that consumers may also contact the company directly for additional information about the voluntary recall process.

Has Anyone Gotten Sick From the Recalled Apple Sauce?

As of the recall announcement date, no illnesses or adverse health events have been reported in connection with the recalled Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce. The recall was initiated as a precautionary safety measure after FDA testing, not in response to consumer complaints or reported health incidents.

The FDA’s safety alert explicitly states that no illnesses have been confirmed. Patulin-related health effects typically require sustained consumption at elevated levels, and the FDA’s proactive testing system is designed to catch issues before widespread harm occurs. Consumers who experience gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming the product should contact their healthcare provider and may report the event to the FDA’s MedWatch program.

When Did the Wholesome Pantry Apple Sauce Recall Happen?

The recall was announced in September 2026, following FDA routine market surveillance testing that identified elevated patulin levels in the product. Wakefern Food Corp. voluntarily initiated the recall promptly after receiving the FDA’s findings, in line with standard food safety protocol.

Courier Post Online reported on September 17, 2026 that the recall was underway, with store-level product removal beginning that week. The FDA classifies this action under its ongoing recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts program, which monitors regulated food and drug products continuously throughout the year.

Are Other Wholesome Pantry Products Recalled?

Only the Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce in the 23-ounce size with UPC code 4114800232 is currently subject to this recall. No other Wholesome Pantry products have been included in this specific action.

Consumers concerned about other Wholesome Pantry or Wakefern private-label products can monitor the FDA’s recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts page for any future announcements. State-level resources, such as Missouri’s food and drug recalls page, also aggregate federal recall notices for local consumers.

Safe Apple Sauce Alternatives and What to Buy Instead

While the Wholesome Pantry product is off shelves, several widely available apple sauce brands remain unaffected by this recall. Consumers looking for organic unsweetened options can consider nationally distributed brands sold at major grocery chains.

Mott’s Unsweetened Applesauce, widely available, not subject to any current FDA recall action
GoGo squeeZ Organic Apple Apple, a pouched organic option for families
Santa Cruz Organic Apple Sauce, a USDA-certified organic alternative available at natural food retailers
Store-brand equivalents from retailers outside the Wakefern network

When selecting a replacement, look for products labeled “unsweetened” and check the FDA’s current recall database before purchasing to confirm no new safety alerts apply.

FAQ

What applesauce has been recalled?

Wakefern Food Corp. has recalled the Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce, a 23-ounce jar with UPC code 4114800232. The product was sold at ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market stores across the northeastern United States. The recall was triggered by elevated patulin levels found during FDA testing. No illnesses have been reported.

Is wholesome pantry really organic?

Yes, Wholesome Pantry products carry USDA organic certification, meaning they meet federal standards for organic farming and production practices, including restrictions on synthetic pesticides and GMOs. However, organic certification does not protect against all food safety issues. The current recall is related to elevated patulin, a mold-derived toxin, which can occur in organic apple products when source fruit is damaged or improperly processed.

Are there any recalls on Mott’s applesauce?

As of September 2026, there are no active FDA recalls on Mott’s applesauce. The current applesauce recall involves only the Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce sold through Wakefern Food Corp. banner stores. Consumers can verify the current recall status of any product by checking the FDA’s official recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts database at fda.gov.

How unhealthy is Mott’s apple sauce?

Mott’s applesauce is generally considered a low-calorie, low-fat food with some dietary fiber and vitamin C. The unsweetened variety contains no added sugar. However, the sweetened versions contain added sugar, which may be a concern for those monitoring sugar intake. Mott’s is not subject to any current recall, and there are no known safety issues with the product as of 2026. It remains a widely recommended snack for children and adults.

Conclusion

The Wakefern Food Corp. voluntary recall of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce is a clear example of the FDA’s proactive food safety surveillance system working as intended. By catching elevated patulin levels before widespread consumer harm occurred, the agency and Wakefern were able to act quickly and transparently.

Actionable next steps for consumers:

Check your pantry today for the 23-ounce Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce jar.
Confirm the UPC code is 4114800232, if it matches, do not consume the product.
Return the jar to any Wakefern-affiliated store (ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, or Fairway Market) for a full refund.
Follow the FDA’s recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts page to stay current on any new food safety actions.
Sign up for FDA recall email alerts to receive direct notifications about future product safety issues.

Food safety recalls can feel alarming, but the absence of reported illnesses in this case is reassuring. Acting quickly, checking your pantry, returning the product, and staying informed, is the best way to protect your household.