3 Applesauce Brands Recall Products After Kids Suffer 'Potential Acute Lead Toxicity'
A recall on fruit pouches has expanded now that a total of three companies have announced recalls on their apple sauce products due to the potential for elevated levels of lead.
In late October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it was investigating WanaBana's apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches after the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) discovered extremely high concentrations of lead in the product.
The NCDHHS's discovery came after four children were found with elevated blood lead levels. WanaBana, which sells its products on Amazon and other online outlets, has since issued a voluntary recall of its apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches.
And now, the FDA has added that "certain Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack and certain Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches" are also subject to recall.
In a news release announcing their recall, Schnucks stated that the elevated levels of lead in its apple sauce pouches were found in the cinnamon raw material used by Austrofood SAS, the manufacturer of the applesauce cinnamon pouches.
With the FDA broadening its investigation, The Washington Post reports that there have been a total of seven reported illnesses in at least five states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, and North Carolina.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead exposure can be particularly harmful for children. The CDC reports that "even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child’s intelligence, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement."
The full list of recalled products can be found below:
Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch, 12 pack, with the UPC 4131801152.
Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch 4-pack, with the UPC 4131801155.
Schnucks Applesauce Pouch Variety 20-pack, with the UPC 4131801157.
All WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches regardless of expiration date and lot code.
Certain lots of Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches with the UPC 041497216123.
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