Recall of Honeycrisp Apple Cider due to Patulin Contamination

Consumers are warned to avoid drinking Pepin Heights Orchard’s Honeycrisp Apple Cider products with a use-by-date of February 9, 2012.
 
Patulin is a mycotoxin and produced by Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochylamys molds. It grows on a variety of foods, including fruit, grain, and cheese, but it is a particular threat in apple juice. While the immediate effects of ingesting patulin have not been established, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes that long-term exposure is a health concern.
 
The product was packaged in half-gallon plastic jugs and sold and distributed in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. No illnesses were reported, and no other batches of cider are affected.
 
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture said routine lab tests confirmed that the cider in question contained patulin at levels of 58 parts per billion, higher than the 50 parts per billion limit set by the FDA.
 
“EMSL Analytical’s dedicated food division tests food products for patulin, among other mycotoxins,” states Joy DellAringa, M.S., RM (NRM), CFSP, National Food Microbiology Supervisor at EMSL. “Our experienced team works with clients to determine the appropriate testing methods for their samples, depending on regulatory requirements, sensitivity requirements, and sample matrix.”

For more information on EMSL’s food testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, email info@emsl.com, or visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com