FDA and CDC investigating elevated blood lead levels in individuals exposed to Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches

WASHINGTON DC – November 22, 2023, FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating reports of elevated blood lead levels in individuals with reported exposure to Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches manufactured in Ecuador and sold under WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks brands.

As of November 22, 2023, there have been 52 reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled products submitted to the FDA. To date, confirmed complainants are less than 1 to 4 years of age. FDA is continuing to evaluate incoming adverse event reports.

FDA is aware that the recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree is still on the shelves at several Dollar Tree stores in multiple states. FDA is working with the firm to ensure an effective recall. This product should not be available for sale and consumers should not purchase or consume this product as it is potentially contaminated with lead, which can be harmful to health, particularly for children.

To properly discard the product, consumers and retailers should carefully open the pouch and empty the contents into a trash can before discarding the packaging to prevent others from salvaging recalled products from the trash. Clean up any spills after discarding the product then wash your hands. 

FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine the point of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. At this time, the FDA is not aware of any other reports of illnesses or elevated blood lead level adverse events reported for other cinnamon-containing products or cinnamon.

FDA will update the advisory as information becomes available. 

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
• Recalled Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack
• Recalled Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Protecting children from exposure to lead is particularly important because they are more susceptible to lead toxicity. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. Parents and caretakers should consult a healthcare provider if you suspect a child may have been exposed to lead. Short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms: headache; abdominal pain/colic; vomiting; anemia. Longer term exposure could result in the following additional symptoms: irritability; lethargy; fatigue; muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning; constipation; difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness; tremor; weight loss.

Stores Affected

• WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally and are available through multiple retailers including Amazon, Dollar Tree, and other online outlets.
  • FDA is aware that recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree is still on the shelves at several Dollar Tree stores in multiples states. This product should not be available and consumers should not purchase this product.
• 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.
• 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. 
• Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of lead toxicity after eating recalled fruit pouches.
• If you or your child have symptoms or exposure to this product, you can also file a complaint or adverse event report (illness or serious allergic reaction).