WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration has advised that WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches may pose a risk to toddlers and young children because of elevated lead levels in the product.
Parents and caregivers are urged to contact healthcare providers about getting a blood test if their toddlers and young children have consumed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches.
WanaBana has agreed to voluntarily recall all WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches regardless of expiration, the FDA said in a statement. The product is sold nationally through multiple retailers, including Sam’s Club, Amazon and Dollar Tree.
The health impacts of lead poisoning are more harmful to children under age 6 because their bodies are still developing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Young children are more likely to be exposed than older children because they are more likely to put their hands or other objects, which may be contaminated with lead dust, into their mouths.
Lead exposure can slow development, damage the brain and nervous system and cause health and behavioral problems.
Symptoms of short-term exposure, according to the FDA, can include headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain and anemia. Symptoms of longer-term lead exposure include irritability, fatigue, muscle aches, difficulty concentrating and more.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services began investigating and sampling pouches after four illnesses were reported. North Carolina’s analyses came back with elevated concentrations of lead which could result in acute toxicity, WanaBana USA said in a statement.
The company, WanaBana USA, said it is working closely with the FDA to investigate the source of the contamination.
“The company is committed to ensuring the safety of its products and the well-being of its consumers,” WanaBana USA said.
