A popular organic applesauce has been recalled in the US after routine testing by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed high levels of patulin, a toxin produced by certain molds that can grow on apples.Wakefern Food Corp. voluntarily recalled select containers of Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce after the patulin levels were found to exceed food safety limits. No illnesses linked to the toxin have been reported yet.The recall involves 23-ounce plastic jars with UPC 04119005677 and a best-by date of June 16, 2027. The product was sold through ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market.What Is Patulin?Patulin is a mycotoxin, meaning it is a toxic chemical produced by certain species of fungi or mold.The FDA identifies molds from genera including Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochylamys as sources of patulin. Apples are one of the best-known sources, particularly when fruit is bruised, damaged, rotten or improperly stored.When contaminated apples are used to make products like apple juice or applesauce, the toxin can remain it. The pasteurisation does not eliminate patulin, so simply heating an apple product is not a reliable way to get rid of the toxin.Also read: Beer Is Getting A 'Health Makeover': Do Protein Or Electrolytes Really Make It Healthier?How Dangerous Is Patulin?The health concern depends on the amount and duration of exposure to patulin. According to the FDA, consuming food or beverages containing high levels of patulin may cause nausea and vomiting, while evidence also indicates that the toxin can damage cells. The agency monitors patulin because prolonged exposure to elevated levels may pose a serious health hazard.The FDA has established an action level of 50 parts per billion (ppb) for patulin in apple juice, apple juice concentrates and apple juice products.This does not mean that eating a food once above the regulatory limit automatically causes poisoning. Food safety limits are designed to control exposure and reduce potential health risks, particularly when contamination could occur repeatedly.Also read: Alzheimer's Day: Why Can A Patient Remember An Event From Decades Ago But Forget What Happened This Morning?Patulin In Applesauce Molds formed due to patulin can grow on apples that have been bruised, damaged or allowed to rot. Contamination can also happen during storage.The problem can be difficult to identify simply by looking at the finished food. FDA guidance notes that some contamination can originate from internal problems like core rot that may not be obvious from the outside of an apple. Removing damaged fruit before processing is therefore an important control measure.So, anyone who has the recalled Wholesome Pantry Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce at home should not consume it.Consumers should check the jar for the 23-ounce size, UPC 04119005677 and best-by date June 16, 2027. The company says recalled products can be returned to the store for a refund or replacement.