The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning families about possible lead-contaminated WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée, as multiple children in Oregon reported elevated blood lead levels after eating the product.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, as of Nov. 15, state officials have identified six cases of elevated blood lead levels in children related to the recall. The reports include incidents from Multnomah and Washington counties, as well as Lake and Lincoln counties.
The product is distributed nationwide through retailers including Dollar Tree, Amazon and other online stores.
Since the initial recall on Oct. 28, two other products — Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches — also have been recalled.
Ryan Barker, coordinator of the Oregon Health Authority’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, warns that continued exposure to lead can permanently damage a child’s central nervous system.
“While lead is toxic for all people regardless of age, small children are especially at risk because they're still growing and developing,” Barker said.
WanaBana has since voluntarily recalled all WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches.
However, the Health Authority warns that the product was distributed before the recall announcement, so there is still an ongoing risk for exposure.
According to the Health Authority, lead exposure in children can lead to long-term health problems such as learning disorders, impaired speech and brain damage. Anyone with concerns about possible exposure should contact their health care provider.
Parents concerned about possible exposure should look for signs of tiredness, hyperactivity, reduced attention span, irritability, poor appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, constipation and stomach pain.
Health officials advise anyone with WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches in their homes to throw them away.
The FDA has received reports of contaminated products from multiple states. As of Nov. 22, there have been 52 incidents of children experiencing adverse effects related to the recall.
The FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating the cause of contamination in the recalled products. They have not released information on the source at this time.
More information on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention can be found on the CDC’s website.
