There has been a recall in certain products to mitigate the spread.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urgently advising consumers to steer clear of recalled applesauce pouches amid a concerning investigation into lead content in cinnamon. Over 57 reported illnesses have been associated with apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches sold under brands like WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks. This issue has affected more than half of the states in the country.
Despite the recall, the FDA cautioned that these recalled products are still available in several Dollar Tree stores across multiple states. They were also retailed by giants like Amazon, Sam’s Club, Schnucks, and Weis.
Highlighting the toxicity of lead to humans, the FDA emphasized the importance of safeguarding all age groups, particularly children, who are more susceptible. The agency urged consumers to check their pantries for these products, emphasizing their long shelf life, and advised immediate disposal.
Investigations by the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local partners have been ongoing due to reports of elevated lead levels in children who consumed these pouches. The agency identified an alarming lead content of 2.18 parts per million in a WanaBana sample from Dollar Tree, significantly surpassing FDA guidelines for products intended for babies and young children.
The suspected source of contamination has been traced to a cinnamon supplier, Negasmart, based in Ecuador. Despite this, the FDA clarified that it’s complex to definitively establish a direct link between lead exposure and its source.
While confirming that Negasmart doesn’t directly import cinnamon into the US and assuring that the issue likely remains confined to the recalled products, the FDA stressed the toxic nature of lead, emphasizing its detrimental impact, especially on children’s development.
Urging anyone who might have consumed the recalled products to undergo lead testing, the FDA disclosed that Austrofood and Wanabana USA, the manufacturers, are in the process of devising a program to assist with healthcare costs. Additionally, they are working on a website to streamline refunds for the affected products.
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