Minn. Ag Dept. Issues Apple Cider Advisory

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is advising consumers to avoid drinking Pepin Heights Orchard brand apple cider.

Laboratory tests found the product may be contaminated with a mold toxin called patulin.

The cider was sold in half-gallon and one-gallon plastic jugs distributed in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas and Florida.

Pepin Heights Orchard, of Lake City, is cooperating with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to find the source of the patulin.

No illnesses have been reported. Consumers and retailers should discard the cider.
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The affected lot codes are: USE BY JAN 27 11, USE BY JAN 30 11, USE BY JAN 31 11, USE BY FEB 01 11, USE BY FEB 05 11, USE BY FEB 06 11.

A Pepin Heights Response Center is available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday at (800) 652-3779.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)