In a recent health scare that has raised alarm among parents and caregivers across the nation, at least 22 toddlers in 14 states have fallen ill after consuming recalled fruit pouches.
U.S. health officials, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health authorities, are now issuing a stern warning to the public.
The affected children, aged between 1 and 3 years, have exhibited elevated blood lead levels, which indicate potential acute lead toxicity according to the agencies.
The identified source is the consumption of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches, which have since been recalled.
This comes as a part of a broader safety alert issued by the FDA for various products, including Schnucks Cinnamon-Flavored Applesauce pouches and select Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.
The FDA’s investigation into this matter, conducted in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), was initiated following reports of four children with elevated blood lead levels, signaling potential acute lead toxicity.
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Testing and sample collection are underway to understand the extent of the issue, and so far, no elevated lead levels have been detected in non-recalled products.
Disturbingly, NCDHHS discovered exceptionally high lead concentrations in multiple lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée, findings corroborated by the FDA. Such high levels of lead pose a genuine risk of acute toxicity making these products very dangerous.
In response to the findings, Wanabana of Coral Gables, Florida, took the responsible step of voluntarily recalling all WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches on October 31.
Subsequently, on November 9, the recall was expanded to include Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches, in accordance with FDA guidance. The recall extends beyond U.S. borders, as the product was also distributed to Cuba and the United Arab Emirates.
Lead toxicity is a particularly serious condition, as it primarily affects the central nervous system.
“Children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults because their nervous systems are still developing,” according to the CDC.
“Children also tend to absorb a higher fraction of ingested lead than adults. Although children with lead exposure may have no apparent acute symptoms, even low levels of lead have been associated with learning, behavioral, and cognitive deficits,” the CDC said.
In severe cases, lead poisoning can result in symptoms such as anemia, stomach pain, weakness, and seizures, potentially leading to lasting brain damage.
To address the crisis, the CDC has issued two vital recommendations for parents and caregivers. First, they should avoid purchasing, consuming, selling, or serving any recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce pouch products, as they may contain dangerous levels of lead.
Second, parents and caregivers of children who may have consumed these recalled products should promptly contact their child’s healthcare provider to arrange a blood test for lead exposure.
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