Food recalls are a serious subject whose updates are always evolving, which is why it’s a good idea to stay on top of the news. Needless to say, there’s an even bigger sense of urgency when children are involved, and there’s currently a recall on multiple fruit pouch products that have already adversely affected 52 individuals, including kids between the ages of 1 and 4 years old.
These fruit products contain elevated amounts of lead
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that three types of Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches manufactured in Ecuador contain elevated amounts of lead. They’re sold under the WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks brand names.
The WanaBana brand is notable in that it’s available through multiple retailers, including Amazon and Dollar Tree. The FDA notes that the product is reportedly still on shelves in some Dollar Tree stores across multiple states, and the agency is actively working with Dollar Tree to have the packages removed from shelves and thrown out.
The Schnucks brand is sold at the supermarket of the same name, along with Eatwell Markets grocery stores, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches are sold at Weis grocery stores. The distribution of these products is nationwide, and so far 25 states have reported “adverse events” as a result of consuming the fruit puree.
Why lead poisoning is so dangerous
Lead poisoning is dangerous for both children and adults, but children in particular are more susceptible to lead toxicity. One problem is that lead toxicity isn’t always obvious in kids, but short-term exposure symptoms can include abdominal pain, colic, headaches, anemia, and vomiting.
Long-term exposure can also cause weight loss, tremors, muscular weakness, constipation, difficulty concentrating, a muscle burning sensation, muscle aches, lethargy, fatigue, and irritability.
Because lead exists in the soil where crops are grown to make our food, some measure of lead is often present in our snacks, and warning labels on packaging specify this. But the level present in the fruit puree is high enough that the FDA is investigating “to determine the point of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses.”
What to do if you’ve purchased recalled fruit pouches
Applesauce products like this have a long shelf life, so you might want to search the back of your fridge or pantry to see if you have any. In order to dispose of the product, the FDA recommends you empty the contents of the package into a garbage can first before you toss the packaging—this prevents any potential salvaging of the product if someone goes through the trash. (This procedure is being recommended to retailers as well as consumers.) Then make sure to wash your hands.
If you suspect that you or your child has been exposed to lead, your best bet is to seek treatment from a healthcare provider. In the chance that you or your family has already consumed this product and you’ve experienced any symptoms, you can file a complaint or adverse event report here.