HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — If you have WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches in your pantry, discard them immediately, as a voluntary recall has been issued in the United States.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the recall is due to elevated levels of lead found in certain units of the applesauce product.
“Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status,” said the FDA.
The affected product, a popular children’s snack, was identified as WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée in 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz.
“The product is also distributed independently in the U.S. as private-label brands under the names of Schnucks Apple Sauce 90g pouches with cinnamon. The affected Schnucks lots subject of the product recall were identified as 05023:19, 09023:22 and 09023:24,” the FDA said. “In addition, Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce 90g, reported an affected lot number 05023:28, which is also included in the product recall.”
“Lead exposure in children is unusually difficult to see, and most children have no obvious immediate symptoms,” the FDA said.
Lead consumption has both short-term and long-term exposure symptoms.
“Short-term exposure to lead could cause headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia. Long-term exposure could result in additional symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, irritability, myalgias, abdominal discomfort, constipation, difficulty concentrating, headache, tremors and weight loss,” the FDA said.
WanaBana USA is working with the FDA to investigate the source of the contamination.
“Four illnesses have been reported to date, leading North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and sample the pouches. North Carolina’s analyses came back with elevated concentrations of lead, which could result in acute toxicity. WanaBana trade channels include Dollar Tree and Amazon,” according to the FDA.
Parents or caregivers of toddlers and young children who suspect exposure to the contaminated product should contact their health care provider.
According to the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, there have been no reports of illness associated with the products on the island. Additionally, recall effectiveness checks have not identified that the product has been sold on the island.
