Fruit Puree Pouches Recalled Over Possible Elevated Lead Levels
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning parents not to give their young children WanaBana fruit puree pouches because they could contain elevated levels of lead.
The recall includes WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, all lot codes and expiration dates. The products were sold nationally at multiple retailers including Sam’s Club, Dollar Tree and through Amazon.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service began investigating after it was discovered four children with elevated blood lead levels had all consumed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. Multiple lots of the product were found to have extremely high concentrations of lead. Since then, all WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches have been voluntarily recalled, regardless of their expiration.
The FDA is encouraging parents of toddlers and young children who may have consumed the WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to contact their healthcare provider about getting a blood test.
Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of all ages. Health officials say lead exposure can be difficult to detect in children, since most have no obvious immediate symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect a child’s ability to pay attention, then affecting their academic achievement.
Signs and Symptoms of short term exposure to lead:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain/Colic
- Vomiting
- Anemia
Signs and Symptoms of long term exposure to lead:
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
- Occasional abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility
- Headache
- Tremor
- Weight loss
To report a complaint or adverse event, such as illness or allergic reaction, you can:
- Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you want to speak directly to a person about the problem.
- Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
- Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to the FDA.
- Visit www.fda.gov/fcic for additional consumer and industry assistance.
Additional Information:
- Health effects of lead exposure – get more information here.
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