Federal health officials are intensifying an investigation into potentially lead-contaminated pouches of apple cinnamon fruit puree intended for children, as more illnesses and product recalls are reported. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of seven illnesses across at least five states linked to the tainted puree.
Schnucks Markets of St. Louis and Weis Markets of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, have issued recalls for specific cinnamon applesauce products because of potentially elevated lead levels. WanaBana of Coral Gables, Florida, had previously recalled all lots and expiration dates of its apple cinnamon fruit puree.
Consuming the contaminated products may result in “acute toxicity,” as warned by FDA officials. Parents and caregivers are advised against purchasing or serving these cinnamon applesauce products, which are available through various retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree, Schnucks, and Eatwell Markets grocery stores.
The investigation initially 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 authorities analyzed multiple product lots and discovered “extremely high” lead concentrations. The FDA subsequently confirmed these findings.
Lead is toxic to individuals of all ages but can be especially damaging to children. Most children do not exhibit immediate symptoms, emphasizing the importance of testing children for lead exposure. Short-term lead exposure can lead to symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia, according to the FDA.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, heavy metals like lead can contaminate food products through soil, air, water, or industrial processes. Lead exposure can significantly harm children’s health, affecting the brain, nervous system, growth, and development. There is no recognized safe level of lead exposure, as stated by the AAP.
