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FDA Food Recall Over Fruit Pouches Due to Children Lead Poisoning
November 7, 2023
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recalling three brands of apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches due to concerns about lead contamination. Their investigations show seven cases of ill health linked to these pouches between Oct. 17 and Nov. 1.
On Oct. 28, the FDA, along with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, found that the puree pouches made by WanaBana were a common source of exposure amongst four kids with high blood lead levels, leading WanaBana to recall their products voluntarily.
The recall has expanded to include products from two more companies: Schnucks and Weis Markets. Their apple cinnamon products may also have a high lead content.
Consuming these products, as the FDA warns, can cause health issues like headaches, stomach pain, and vomiting in the short term. Long-term symptoms include tiredness and muscle pain. The products are sold at Amazon, Dollar Tree, and Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores, amongst other outlets. The FDA strongly suggests parents and caregivers not buy or feed these products to kids. If they suspect their child has consumed the recalled products, they should consider getting their child’s blood tested.
The FDA has widened its search to pinpoint the origin of contamination in certain fruit puree pouches. Schnuck Markets Inc. in St. Louis stated that the lead contamination could be traced back to the cinnamon used in the purees. This cinnamon was used by Austrofood SAS in the production of some Schnucks-branded applesauce pouches.
As of Nov. 1, the seven cases of illness that occurred due to these fruit purees were reported in at least five states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, and North Carolina. In addition to WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, the products being recalled include specific Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and select batches of Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.
The most current up-to-date list of affected products can be found through the FDA here.
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