Applesause pouches recalled

In late October 2023, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services began investigating the cause of lead poisoning in four children who had high amounts of lead in their blood systems. The departments' investigations found that WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches contained high amounts of lead.

Soon after, while The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the findings, WanaBaba issued a voluntary product recall. The FDA released a statement advising parents and caregivers not to give toddlers the product. In November, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) started investigating the matter further; they also received additional help from state and local partners. While WanaBana had issued a voluntary recall, much of the contaminated product was still on store shelves.

During the federal investigation, high amounts of lead were found in WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis brands of apple cinnamon puree. While the investigation is ongoing, the CDC has received multiple reports and complaints of people having lead poisoning.

As of Dec. 22, 2023, the CDC's website reports 73 confirmed cases, 157 probable cases, and 21 suspected cases from multiple states. Missouri is among those states, as two days before, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) reported they had five cases of children's lead poisoning after consuming the products. There is an ongoing effort to get the product off store shelves.

Lead is toxic to humans with children under the age of six, and women who are pregnant are at the most significant risk for lead poisoning. Many children who have lead poisoning may not show obvious immediate symptoms, but there are signs to look out for.

Signs of short-term exposure include:

Headache

Abdominal Pain

Vomiting

Anemia

If not treated, long-term exposure could occur, with symptoms including:

Irritability

Lethargy

Fatigue

Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning

Occasional abdominal discomfort

Constipation

Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility

Headache

Tremor

Weight loss

The WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree was sold nationwide at Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Amazon, and other online retailers. For a complete list of the affected products, visit the FDA's website.

The product in question is known to have a long shelf life, and readers are encouraged to discard it immediately to the trash if they have it. If readers or their kids have consumed the WanaBana product, it is also encouraged to talk to a physician or local health agency to discuss getting blood tests conducted.