December 12, 2023 WanaBana USA recently announced a recall of its apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches due to high levels of toxic lead found in the puree. Two other brands, Schnucks and Weis Markets, have also issued a recall on their cinnamon applesauce pouches citing lead contamination as the reason.
The FDA identified cinnamon as the likely source of lead in the recalled products, although the investigation is ongoing. Cinnamon can become contaminated with lead through many routes in the production process, including during the cultivation process. It’s possible that the cinnamon in the affected products contains lead as a result of soil contamination.
Exposure to lead can pose serious health risks to children, which is magnified in children under the age of 6, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There is no safe level of lead in the blood, and children who are exposed can suffer from the following:
- Brain damage
- Stunted growth and development
- Nervous system damage
- Learning and behavioral problems
- At high levels, lead poisoning or death
Symptoms of lead poisoning in children can include;
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sluggishness and fatigue
- Abdominal pains and vomiting
- Constipation
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- PICA (eating things that are not food)
The FDA claims that babies and children who consumed the contaminated WanaBana cinnamon apple pouches had blood lead levels at or above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, which the CDC considers a higher level than what is seen in most children.
As of December 6, 2023, the number of children under the age of 6 with lead poisoning potentially linked to contaminated cinnamon apple pouches increased to 64.
If your child consumed cinnamon apple pouches from the brands WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis Markets, and you believe that he or she may have lead poisoning, or they have tested positive for lead poisoning, don’t wait to contact an experienced product liability attorney to ensure your family’s rights are protected.
At Cellino Law, our attorneys have the skill, knowledge and hard-fought experience to ensure that your family receives the compensation you deserve for your child’s injuries. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, contact us at 888-888-8888 or contact us via our online form.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.