Lead-contaminated cinnamon applesauce impacts Idaho children and families

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - State and local public health officials have identified two children in Idaho whose blood lead levels were elevated after eating recalled cinnamon applesauce products. The affected children live in Elmore and Ada counties.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée in late October.

A collaborative investigation by Idaho state and local partners, FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation (CORE) Network, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is ongoing.
The products recalled are:

• WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches
• Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack
• Weis brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches

WanaBana has voluntarily recalled all WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches regardless of their expiration dates, but some people may have bought the product before the recall announcement. Families should check their homes and throw away any pouches they find.

WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée is distributed nationwide through retailers including Dollar Tree, Amazon, and other online stores. The two other brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce products sold at Schnucks and Weis Markets have become subject to the recall, though they are not available in Idaho.
Parents of children who consumed the contaminated products should call their family’s doctor and request evaluation and a test. Those without a primary care doctor may be able to locate testing by contacting their local public health agency to identify where to be tested. The child’s medical provider will determine how best to decrease lead in blood, depending upon the level and other health factors.  

There is no safe level of lead in blood. Signs of lead poisoning are not always easy to see and can be mistaken for other illnesses. Without a blood test, lead poisoning might go undiagnosed, especially since affected children often don’t look or act sick.

Possible signs of lead exposure and symptoms in children include:  

• Tiredness or loss of energy
• Hyperactivity
• Reduced attention span
• Irritability or crankiness
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Trouble sleeping
• Constipation
• Stomach aches or pains