Federal health officials are expanding their investigation into pouches of apple cinnamon fruit puree marketed for children, which may be contaminated with lead. Reports of illnesses and additional product recalls have prompted this action.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of seven illnesses in at least five states that could potentially be linked to contaminated puree. Two new companies, Schnucks Markets and Weis Markets, have announced recalls of certain cinnamon applesauce products due to high levels of lead. WanaBana, a company based in Coral Gables, Florida, had previously recalled all lots and expiration dates of its apple cinnamon fruit puree.
The FDA warns that consuming these contaminated products could result in “acute toxicity.” Parents and caregivers should avoid buying or serving the cinnamon applesauce products, which are sold at various retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree, Schnucks, and Eatwell Markets. The agency recommends that children and anyone who has consumed these products should undergo testing for possible lead poisoning.
The investigation began in North Carolina, where health officials were looking into reports of four children with elevated blood levels linked to the WanaBana product. State health officials found “extremely high” concentrations of lead in multiple lots of the product, a finding that was confirmed by the FDA.
The FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network is leading the investigation in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health officials.
Lead exposure can be especially harmful to children, and symptoms may not be obvious. Short-term exposure to lead can result in symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that heavy metals like lead can enter food products through soil, air, water, or industrial processes. Lead exposure can cause serious damage to the brain and nervous system, as well as slowed growth and development. There is no known safe level of lead exposure.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Unique Perspective:
The recent recall of fruit pouches due to lead contamination is a reminder of the importance of food safety measures. Parents and caregivers must be vigilant in ensuring the products they purchase for children are safe and free from harmful substances. The collaboration between federal health officials, the FDA, and other organizations in investigating and addressing this issue is crucial for protecting public health. As consumers, it is important to stay informed about product recalls and take necessary precautions to safeguard our well-being.
