The recalls come as the Food and Drug Administration has broadened its investigation of the products. As of Nov. 1, an FDA report cited seven reported illnesses in at least five states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri and North Carolina.
According to a Nov. 3 FDA update, two state agencies in North Carolina are investigating reports of four children with blood lead levels high enough to indicate acute toxicity. Regulators said multiple lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree were analyzed, detecting “extremely high concentrations of lead.”
Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Short-term symptoms can include headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia, while longer-term exposure can lead to muscle aches, difficulty concentrating and tremors, among other symptoms.
Young children are thought to be especially vulnerable.
“Because children under age 6 are undergoing critical neurological and physical development, they are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of lead on the body,” a North Carolina health agency warned in a news release.
The FDA warned that most children initially have no symptoms when exposed to lead. The manufacturers said parents should talk to their doctor about any possible lead exposure and get a blood test if needed.
Customers who have purchased recalled Schnucks or WanaBana products are being urged to return to the point of purchase for a full refund.
The recalled pouches include:
- Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch, 12 pack, UPC 4131801152
- Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch 4-pack, UPC 4131801155
- Schnucks Applesauce Pouch Variety 20-pack, 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.
