Remember that recall of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches a couple of weeks ago? Some parents either didn’t get the word or they got it too late.
The product was recalled because it contained excessive lead. Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that at least 22 children are being treated for lead poisoning after eating the product.
The children, who are between the ages of one and three, have been diagnosed with high blood lead levels after eating WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches. The recalled products include Schnucks Cinnamon-Flavored Applesauce pouches and variety pack and certain Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.
Federal and state investigation
The products were recalled after the FDA opened a joint investigation with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to find a connection between four young patients being treated for excessive lead levels in their blood. The investigation led to a safety advisory about the fruit pouches, which in turn led to the recall.
When the investigators tested samples of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree, they said they detected extremely high concentrations of lead.
On Oct. 31, Wanabana of Coral Gables, Florida, announced a recall of all WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches. The recall was expanded on Nov. 9 to include additional data on recalled Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.
The two government health agencies said lead exposure is much more toxic to young children than adults because their central nervous systems are still developing. The agencies urge parents and caregivers to make sure children don’t eat the product.
Symptoms
Short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:
Headache
Abdominal pain/Colic
Vomiting
Anemia
Longer term exposure could result in:
Irritability
Lethargy
Fatigue
Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
Occasional abdominal discomfort
Constipation
Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility
Headache
Tremor
Weight loss
The FDA says parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have consumed the product should contact their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test.
Consumers with questions may contact the firm by email at sales@wanabanafruits.com.