(NewsInsights.org) – Many parents and grandparents face challenges in encouraging children to eat healthy food. Snacks like yogurt, fresh fruits, and applesauce often provide healthy alternatives for busy caregivers. Unfortunately, the US FDA recently issued a recall for some brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce in pouches because of dangerously high lead levels. The popular food has stricken 22 children in 14 states with acute lead poisoning.
The affected brands and products include:
- WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, sold nationwide and available through multiple retailers, including Dollar Tree, Amazon, and other outlets
- Weis-brand Cinnamon Applesauce pouches, sold at Weis grocery stores
- Schnucks-brand Cinnamon-flavored Applesauce pouches and variety packs, sold at Eatwell Markets and Schnucks grocery stores
According to an FDA investigative report, Wanabana, the manufacturer of all the products listed above, instituted a voluntary recall on October 31, after North Carolina’s Departments of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and the FDA issued a safety alert on October 28.
The North Carolina agencies received reports of four children diagnosed with acute lead poisoning consistent with elevated blood lead levels. The investigation found a common food source among the children: WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches. Subsequent testing across multiple product lots revealed toxic levels of lead. Wanabana expanded its recall to include Weis and Schnucks brand products on November 9.
Lead exposure can significantly damage nerve and brain development, potentially causing learning, behavioral, and developmental issues in children because they are more susceptible to lead toxicity than adults but often show few symptoms immediately. However, children exposed to lead could experience symptoms like colic, stomachache, nausea, headache, anemia, low energy, or vomiting. The FDA recommends consulting a healthcare provider if a caregiver suspects lead exposure.
The FDA has collected reports of ill children from affected states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Louisiana, Alabama, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Washington. The company also distributed the products to Cuba and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The FDA warned people not to sell, eat, or serve the recalled products and recommended discarding pouches or returning them to the local grocer for a refund.
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