Health Risk Identified in Vermont Village Organic Unsweetened Applesauce
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – A food safety warning has been issued after a potentially contaminated batch of applesauce was distributed at a local food event. Mutual Aid partners are urging those who received Vermont Village Organic Unsweetened Applesauce to dispose of it immediately due to health risks.
Contamination Concerns
According to Mutual Aid, the applesauce may contain harmful bacteria due to mouse droppings found on the product packaging. Additionally, there is a risk of elevated patulin levels, a toxic substance produced by mold that can develop on apples. Patulin exposure has been linked to nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Source of the Contaminated Product
The affected applesauce was distributed at a Mutual Aid food event. The organization had received the product from Food Bank of the Rockies, a regional food supplier. As a precaution, recipients are being advised to discard any Vermont Village Organic Unsweetened Applesauce they may have received.
Mutual Aid has been in communication with food safety authorities and is working to ensure that no further contaminated products remain in circulation.
Community Response and Next Steps
- Mutual Aid is asking all individuals who received applesauce from their event to dispose of it immediately.
- Those who have already consumed the product should monitor for symptoms such as nausea and stomach pain and seek medical attention if necessary.
- The organization is working closely with Food Bank of the Rockies and health officials to prevent future incidents.
Amber Henning, Chief Advancement Officer for HomewardBound, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and emphasized the organization’s commitment to food safety.
“We take this matter very seriously and are doing everything we can to inform the community and ensure that no one else is affected,” Henning said.
Looking Ahead
Mutual Aid is reviewing its food sourcing and distribution procedures to enhance safety protocols. Meanwhile, Food Bank of the Rockies is conducting an internal investigation to determine how the contamination occurred.
Anyone with concerns or additional questions about the recall can reach out to Mutual Aid or local health authorities for further guidance.