ALERT: Michigan Officials Warn of Applesauce Pouches That May Contain Lead
Check your pantry and fridge! Specific pouches of applesauce are being voluntarily recalled due to high levels of lead.
WanaBana Applesauce Recall Due to Elevated Lead Levels
According to the FDA, the recalled products are from WanaBana USA and were sold in Michigan and nationwide.
The affected product information is WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree in 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz.
The product is also distributed independently in the US as private label brands under the names of Schnucks Apple Sauce 90g pouches with cinnamon. The affected Schnucks lots subject of the product recall were identified as 05023:19, 09023:22 and 09023:24.
In addition, Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce 90g, reported an affected lot number 05023:28, which is also included in the product recall.
Michigan Officials Remind Residents to Discard Applesauce Packages That May Contain Lead
Since these products have a long shelf life, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are advising residents to discard the recalled pouches of applesauce.
In addition, the FDA is warning that the recalled products may still be on shelves at Dollar Tree Stores - Do not buy them. The FDA is now screening shipments of cinnamon from multiple countries for possible lead contamination and working with Dollar Tree to get the product out of stores.
To properly discard of the product, the FDA advises,
Consumers and retailers should carefully open the pouch and empty the content into a trash can before discarding the packaging to prevent others from salvaging recalled product from the trash
According to MDHHS, there have been multiple cases across several states, including Michigan, of elevated blood lead levels in children due to eating one of these products. An elevated blood lead test result is one that measures greater than or equal to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL).
As of November 22, 2023, there have been 52 reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled product submitted to FDA.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive said in a release,
There is no safe level of lead for any person, particularly for babies and children. A blood lead test is the only way to know if a person has been exposed to lead. Anyone who has eaten applesauce products listed above should make an appointment with their health care provider for a blood lead test.
You can learn more about blood lead testing in Michigan here.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status.
The FDA says exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms.
Although signs and symptoms of lead toxicity vary, short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain/Colic
- Vomiting
- Anemia
Longer term exposure could result in additional symptoms:
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
- Occasional abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility
- Headache
- Tremor
- Weight loss
If you suspect anyone in your home has consumed the recalled applesauce, speak with your healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test.
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