WASHINGTON—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food & Drug Administration continue to investigate cases of reported illnesses due to elevated levels of lead and chromium found in recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches.
To date, confirmed complainants, or people for whom a complaint or adverse event was submitted and met FDA’s complainant definition, are between zero and 53 years of age and the median age is one year old.
CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health is conducting case finding efforts in collaboration with state and local health departments. CDC’s case definition for state partners includes a blood lead level of 3.5 µg/dL or higher measured within 3 months after consuming a recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis brand fruit puree product after November 2022.
As of February 9, the CDC has received reports of 101 confirmed cases, 284 probable cases, and 37 suspected cases for a total of 422 cases from 44 different states through their reporting structure. For more information, please visit CDC’s page to review their case reporting methodology and findings.
Recalled cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products. Information on lot codes and UPCs can be found in the firm’s recall announcement.
- Recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches – including three packs
- Recalled Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack
- Recalled Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches
At this time, the FDA does not have any evidence that this issue extends beyond the recalled products.
FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine the point of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. FDA has no indication that this issue extends beyond these recalled products and does not have any confirmed reports of illnesses or elevated blood lead level adverse events reported for other cinnamon-containing products or cinnamon.
Stores Affected
- WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally and have been available through multiple retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar/Dollar Tree combination stores, and other online outlets.
- Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack are sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores.
- Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches are sold at Weis grocery stores.
Recommendation
- Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis-brand apple cinnamon pouches and should discard them.
- These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes and discard these products.
- To properly discard the product, consumers and retailers should carefully open the pouch and empty the content into a trash can before discarding the packaging to prevent others from salvaging recalled product from the trash. Clean up any spills after discarding the product then wash your hands.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you think you or your child may have symptoms of lead toxicity after eating recalled fruit pouches.
- Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure. 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.
Consumers who have symptoms or exposure to this product can also file a complaint or adverse event report (illness or serious allergic reaction) online here.
