The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recalled Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches due to a risk of lead poisoning to children. The recall was issued on Nov. 3, 2023.
According to the FDA, an investigation conducted in North Carolina detected high levels of lead in four children in the state. After further investigation, the investigators determined that a similar product, WanaBana applesauce pouches, was the cause of the lead poisoning. According to the FDA, further testing revealed “extremely high concentrations of lead” in the applesauce products.
As of Nov. 22, 2023, there have been 52 reported cases of lead poisoning in children aged one to four in the United States.
The FDA is also looking into additional reports of illnesses in potentially affected products.
The recall includes all lot codes and expiration dates of Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.
What is lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning, Mayo Clinic says; “occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems.”
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the health effects of lead exposure in children can seriously harm a child’s health. There is no safe amount of lead exposure in children. Even a small amount of lead can lead to lifelong adverse effects.
Exposure to lead can happen when a child swallows, touches or breathes in lead dust particles.
Short-term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain/Colic
- Vomiting
- Anemia
Long-term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
- Occasional abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscular exhaustibility
- Headache
- Tremor
- Weight loss
Children exposed to lead could have lifelong effects such as:
- Damaged cognitive development
- Slower development
- Learning and behavior problems
- Hearing and speech issues
- Lower IQ
- Decreased attention span
- Slower performance in school
The FDA advises parents and caregivers to have their children acquire a blood test through their healthcare provider if they have consumed the affected fruit pouches. The FDA also recommends to immediately stop giving children the affected fruit pouches.
Other Applesauce Pouch Recalls
Questions About a Lead Poisoning Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one’s child suffered lead poisoning after consuming apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting new lead poisoning lawsuits across the country, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
We offer a Free Case Evaluation. Please contact us using the form below or by calling us at (800) 279-6386.
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