CDC issues warning about specific applesauce pouches amid recall

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory to alert doctors, health care providers and clinicians to be on the lookout for elevated lead levels, or signs of acute lead toxicity in children.  The CDC and Food and Drug Administration are investigating a potential link between elevated blood lead levels in children and the consumption of recalled applesauce products that contain cinnamon.

Eating these products can cause “acute toxicity” according to the FDA.  Parents and caregivers should not feed children these products, the FDA advised.  State health departments tested multiple lots of applesauce products made by WannaBana LLC, finding elevated lead levels.  WannaBanna issued a voluntary recall of all lots of apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches on October 30.

The recall affects WannaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon flavored applesauce pouches and Weist-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches, per the FDA’s investigation.  WannaBana products are sold in Dollar Tree stores, Sam’s Club, and over Amazon.  The FDA has asked parents and caregivers to check their food for these products and discard them if they have them.

So far 22 cases of lead exposure have been identified in children ages 1-3 across the U.S. in 14 states, including Texas. There is no safe level of lead in children’s blood.  Young children exposed to lead can experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anemia.

The CDC asks that any clinician who suspects lead poisoning in a child test for lead and report cases to local health departments.  The CDC recommends that health care providers warn parents to throw away these products.