On Nov. 3, 2023, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches due to a severe risk of lead poisoning.
According to the FDA, a North Carolina investigation detected high lead levels in four children. The investigators identified a similar product, WanaBana applesauce pouches, as a source linking the four children. After testing multiple applesauce brands, the investigators reported they had “extremely high concentrations of lead.”
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 other potentially affected products.
The recall includes all lot codes and expiration dates of Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches.
What is lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning, the 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 Centers 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 stop giving children the affected fruit pouches immediately.
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 nationwide, 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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