Following the discovery of at least 22 toddlers in 14 states who had lead poisoning connected to contaminated pouches containing applesauce and cinnamon apple puree, U.S. health regulators are alerting physicians to be on the lookout for potential instances of lead poisoning in children.
The afflicted children ranged in age from one to three years old, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least one of them had blood lead levels eight times higher than those that are cause for worry.
Although there is no acceptable amount of lead exposure, children who have higher than average levels can be identified by the CDC using a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. The blood lead levels of the afflicted youngsters varied from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.
Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an increase in activity level, and anemia were among the symptoms that were observed.
The infections are a component of an epidemic linked to recalled fruit puree pouches under the Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce and WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree brands that were sold to children. Both online and in-store sales were made for the items.
Kids who may have eaten the goods should have their lead levels checked, and parents and other caregivers should refrain from purchasing or serving them. Experts noted that children who are impacted could not exhibit any symptoms.
Exposure to lead can cause major behavioral and learning issues. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that industrial processes, soil, air, or water can all introduce heavy metals like lead into food items.
As of November 7, the CDC reported cases in the following states: North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, and Washington.
The first report of lead poisoning related to food pouches this week
A few days ago, on November 6th, in response to reports of increased illnesses and product recalls, federal health regulators are extending their probe into possibly lead-tainted packets of apple cinnamon fruit puree sold for children.
The Food and Drug Administration in the United States announced on Friday that it had received reports of seven illnesses in at least five states that may have been caused by tainted puree.
Due to possible elevated lead levels, two new businesses, Schnucks Markets in St. Louis and Weis Markets in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, announced recalls of certain cinnamon applesauce items. Apple cinnamon fruit puree manufacturer WanaBana, located in Coral Gables, Florida, was previously recalled for all lots and expiration dates.
FDA authorities warned that eating the tainted items might cause “acute toxicity.” The cinnamon applesauce products, which are available at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets food shops as well as on Amazon and Dollar Tree, are not appropriate for parents and caregivers to purchase or serve.
According to the government, testing should be done for potential lead poisoning in children and other individuals who have eaten the items.
The probe started in North Carolina, where four children’s abnormal blood levels connected to the WanaBana product are being investigated by health officials. After examining several batches of the product, state health inspectors found “extremely high” lead amounts. The FDA verified the findings.
The study is being led by the FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as municipal and state health authorities.
All ages are susceptible to the toxicity of lead, but children are more vulnerable. Since most kids don’t exhibit overt symptoms, it’s critical that children who are exposed have their blood lead levels checked. According to the FDA, symptoms of short-term lead exposure might include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and anemia.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that industrial processes, soil, air, or water can all introduce heavy metals like lead into food items. Children’s health can be gravely harmed by lead exposure, which can slow down growth and development and impair the brain and neurological system. According to the AAP, there is no established safe threshold for lead exposure.
Food and Drug Administration statement
The Food and Drug Administration issued an update regarding the investigation today. It goes:
The FDA, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) are looking into reports of four children who have elevated blood lead levels, which may indicate acute lead toxicity. This information was stated in a safety alert released by the FDA on October 28, 2023. WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches were discovered as a possible common source of exposure during the NCDHHS study. During the course of their inquiry, NCDHHS tested several batches of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree and found incredibly high lead amounts. After reviewing and endorsing the NCDHHS’s testing results, the FDA concluded that the lead levels in the examined pouches might cause acute lead poisoning.
As of November 13, 2023, the FDA has received 22 complaints of illnesses that may have been caused by recalled products. The FDA and state partners are gathering and examining more product samples of applesauce and puree pouches as part of this inquiry. As of right now, no non-recalled product had high lead levels, according to sample analysis.
This inquiry has been moved to the FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation (CORE) Network for further follow-up since the first notice was sent out. State and local partners, the CDC, and the FDA are working together on this project. A recall is also in effect for two more brands of products: certain Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches and variety packs, and Schnucks cinnamon applesauce pouches.
The FDA is still reviewing newly received adverse reports of disease. The FDA is still looking into whether other items are connected to illnesses and where lead poisoning originated. This advice will be updated by the FDA when new information becomes available.
