Emergency Health Alert Recall: 22 toddlers in 14 states sickened by lead in Fruit Purée pouches 

Following a November 9 voluntary recall from WanaBana USA of all lots of their WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches due to reports of elevated levels of lead found in certain units of the product, the CDC on November 13 issued an emergency health alert, “after at least 22 toddlers were sickened by lead linked to contaminated pouches of applesauce.”

Health officials say children between the ages of 1 and 3 across 14 states were affected, and that at least one of the kids had a blood lead level eight times higher than the threshold that raises concern. ~ The Daily Beast

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms.

If you suspect that your child might have consumed this product, parents should talk to your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test. Lead poisoning can only be diagnosed through clinical testing. Although signs and symptoms of lead toxicity vary, short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain/Colic
• Vomiting
• Anemia

Longer term exposure could result in additional symptoms:

• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
• Occasional abdominal discomfort
• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility
• Headache
• Tremor
• Weight loss

WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches were distributed nationwide through online and retail stores. The affected product information is WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree in 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz.

As of November 7, 2023, there are 22 cases, in states including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, ages 1 to 3 years, with BLLs ranging from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). Cases experienced signs and symptoms including headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, change in activity level, and anemia.  ~ CDC

The product is also distributed independently in the US as private label brands under the names of Schnucks Apple Sauce 90g pouches with cinnamon. The affected Schnucks lots subject of the product recall were identified as 05023:19, 09023:22 and 09023:24. To date, there have been no injuries reported related to Schnucks products. Photos of the Schnuck product is attached.

In addition, Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce 90g, reported an affected lot number 05023:28, which is also included in the product recall. To date, there have been no injuries reported related to Weis products. Photos of the Weis brand is attached.

Consumers who have purchased WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis products with the specified batch numbers and expiration dates are urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have been exposed to lead should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Consumers with questions can email the company at support@wanabanafruits.com.

Product Name: WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree in 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz. Affected Batches:

Batch	Units		Batch	Units
10022:21	33165		01023:03	48735
11022: 08	22185		01023:17	62235
11022:09	23730		01023:23	67590
11022:10	33420		01023:27	60975
11022:12	12120		01023:30	101205
11022:14	29025		01023:31	99180
11022:15	32085		02023:07	84780
11022:16	34860		02023:18	129600
12022:23	64170		04023:23	96090
			04023:24	138240
			04023:25	64395
			04023:26	68805
			05023:08	85950
			05023:09	101520
			05023:10	89460
			05023:11	95535
			05023:15	88605
			10022:31	33165

Recommendation from the FDA appears below:

• Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis-brand apple cinnamon pouches and should discard them.  
• These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes and discard these products. 
• Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure. If there’s suspicion that a child may have been exposed to lead, parents should talk to their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test. 
• Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of lead toxicity after eating recalled fruit pouches.

For more on the story, see the video below accompanying this afticle.

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(Sources: CDC and FDA)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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