- WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches have been voluntarily recalled
- Officials said the pouches possibility contain elevated lead levels
- Parents or caregivers with dependents who ingested the pouches should contact their doctors for testing, officials said
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — State officials on Wednesday warned parents and caregivers that a fruit puree pouch has been recalled due to "extremely high concentrations of lead."
The pouches are available through multiple retailers, including Sam’s Club, Amazon and Dollar Tree, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
“We want to get the message out to help protect and prevent potential harm to children."State Acting Health Secretary Debra Bogen
“Lead can be very harmful if ingested, especially for a young child,” state Acting Health Secretary Debra Bogen said Tuesday in a news release.
“We want to get the message out to help protect and prevent potential harm to children.
“Puree pouches are a popular food option for our youngest residents. Parents and caregivers should check their child’s puree pouches and dispose of any of the recalled products.”
All lot codes and expiration dates of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches have been voluntarily recalled because of the possibility of elevated lead levels, officials said.
Families or caregivers with children who have eaten it should reach out to a doctor and get tested for lead exposure.
North Carolina cases
Four North Carolina children were found to have elevated blood lead levels, indicating potential acute lead toxicity, according to the FDA's recall notice.
As part of their investigation, [the the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services] analyzed multiple lots of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree, detecting extremely high concentrations of lead.the Food and Drug Administration
"As part of their investigation, [the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services] analyzed multiple lots of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree, detecting extremely high concentrations of lead," according to the notice.
"The FDA has reviewed and supports NCDHHS’s analytical findings and found that analytical results at this level could result in acute toxicity.
"The FDA has shared the results with the firm, whose representatives are cooperating with the FDA and have agreed to voluntarily recall all WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches regardless of expiration."
Signs and symptoms
Lead exposure in children can be difficult to notice, as many have no obvious immediate symptoms, officials said.
“If there’s suspicion that a child may have been exposed to lead, parents should talk to their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“Although lead can only be diagnosed through clinical testing, signs and symptoms of lead toxicity vary based on exposure.” They include headaches, abdominal pain or colic, vomiting or anemia.U.S. Food and Drug Administration
“Although lead can only be diagnosed through clinical testing, signs and symptoms of lead toxicity vary based on exposure.”
Short term exposure to lead could result in headaches, abdominal pain or colic, vomiting or anemia.
Long-term exposure could cause irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches or muscle prickling or burning, occasional abdominal discomfort, constipation, difficulty concentrating or muscular exhaustibility, headaches, tremors or weight loss.
The state Health Department maintains a toll-free lead information hotline, 1-800-440-LEAD, to provide information about lead poisoning prevention, testing, follow-up and local resources.
More information can be found on the agency’s website.
