The Food and Drug Administration has recalled several brands of applesauce pouches after parents of nearly two dozen toddlers reported that their children became ill.
At least 22 young children in 14 states have become ill with lead poisoning in contaminated bags of cinnamon applesauce and applesauce.
Children between one and three years old were affected. At least one child had blood lead levels eight times higher than the level of concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Health officials are now warning doctors and health care providers about cases of lead poisoning in children.
Symptoms reported include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a change in activity level and anemia. Children may also experience abdominal pain and tremors.
Cases of lead exposure have been identified in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
The brands include WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks und Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. The products were sold in stores and online
You can find products from these brands in Amazon supermarkets, Dollar Tree supermarkets, Schnucks and Eatwell markets, Weis supermarkets and numerous other online stores.
The recall of WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis products is not only limited to the US, but also includes Cuba and the United Arab Emirates
The FDA launched an investigation and recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit sauce pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon flavored applesauce pouches, and several packages and bags of Weis brand cinnamon applesauce.
Products from these brands can be found at Amazon supermarkets, Dollar Tree supermarkets, Schnucks and Eatwell Markets, Weis supermarkets and various other online stores.
Health officials are urging parents and teachers to stop using these products immediately and return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.
The recall of WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis products is not only limited to the US, but also includes Cuba and the United Arab Emirates.
Lead exposure can seriously harm a child’s health and has well-documented health effects, including brain and nervous system damage, delayed growth and development, learning and behavioral problems, and hearing and speech problems.
The CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels of lead-containing blood than most children. In one of the affected children, lead levels in the blood were between 4 and 29 micrograms per deciliter.
If parents suspect their child has been exposed to high levels of lead toxicity, the FDA recommends seeing a doctor and getting a blood lead test.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
