They made this decision due to toxin concerns

Woolworths has officially recalled some of their house brand apple juice products due to the fact that it contain levels of patulin above the regulatory limits.

The exact products that are being recalled are 100% Apple Juice 200 ml cartons (single boxes and six-packs) with the best before date of 23, 28 and 29 March 2022.

Patulin is a natural mycotoxin produced by mould and it is very common to associate this kind of bacteria with apples. The World Health Organisation says patulin can cause nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting.

Woolworths has urged its customers who have bought this product to return it to their nearest store. They will get a full refund for the recalled items.

“Food safety is critically important to Woolworths and we take all issues regarding the production of our food extremely seriously,” said Woolworths in a statement.

“Woolworths and our suppliers proactively manage and prevent microbial contamination of food and have done so for many years. We have very strict protocols in place as part of our standard food safety management process. To verify the safety of our food products, we implement additional monitoring where we independently have our food products tested randomly.”

Last week, LiquiFruit also recalled some of their 100% apple juice products for also having too high patulin numbers in them. Their biggest customer is Pioneer Foods, which has subsequently recalled the 100% apple juice products it has distributed throughout South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.