Apple Pouches Become Toxic? Recall of Kids’ Drinks Due to “Extremely High” Lead Contamination

Because the food may contain hazardous amounts of lead, the FDA is alerting parents and caregivers not to purchase or serve certain pureed fruit pouches marketed to toddlers and young children.

In response to reports of increased illnesses and product recalls, federal health regulators are extending their probe into possibly lead-tainted packets of apple cinnamon fruit puree sold for children.

According to information received by the US Food and Drug Administration on Friday, tainted puree may have been the cause of seven illnesses in at least five states.

Due to possible elevated lead levels, two new businesses, Schnucks Markets in St. Louis and Weis Markets in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, issued recalls of certain cinnamon applesauce items. Apple cinnamon fruit puree manufacturer WanaBana, located in Coral Gables, Florida, was previously recalled for all lots and expiry dates.

FDA authorities warned that eating the tainted items might cause “acute toxicity.” The cinnamon applesauce products, which are available at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets food shops as well as on Amazon and Dollar Tree, are not appropriate for parents and caregivers to purchase or serve.

According to the government, testing should be done for potential lead poisoning in children and other individuals who have eaten the items.

The probe started in North Carolina, where four children’s abnormal blood levels connected to the WanaBana product are being investigated by health authorities. After examining several batches of the product, state health inspectors found “extremely high” lead amounts. The FDA verified the findings.

Together with state and local health authorities, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the FDA, the Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network is spearheading the inquiry.

All ages are susceptible to the toxicity of lead, but children are more vulnerable. Since most kids don’t exhibit overt symptoms, it’s critical that children who are exposed have their blood lead levels checked. According to the FDA, symptoms of short-term lead exposure might include headache, nausea, vomiting, and anemia.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that industrial processes, soil, air, or water may all introduce heavy metals like lead into food items. Children’s health may be gravely harmed by lead exposure, which can slow down growth and development and impair the brain and neurological system. According to the AAP, there is no established safe threshold for lead exposure.