Bags of applesauce marketed for children produced by three brands have been pulled from the shelves due to potential elevated levels of lead, and experts warn that lead poisoning in children can lead to developmental delays, high blood pressure, and damage to the nervous and brain systems.
Main Facts
Alerts were issued by the FDA on November 3 regarding cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Market and cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches sold at Weis due to the potential for lead contamination.
Warnings and Investigations
This follows a warning from the FDA at the end of October regarding WanaBana’s apple cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, leading to the brand’s voluntary recall after “very high” levels of lead were discovered, and an ongoing investigation into four children suffering from high blood lead levels, indicating acute lead poisoning.
Health Effects and Precautionary Measures
The FDA warns against consuming, offering, or selling any of these products and instructs to dispose of them immediately; young children who may have consumed these pouches should get a blood test from a healthcare provider.
Compensation and Reimbursements
WanaBana announced on Thursday that it will begin to refund all impacted and recalled products to customers. The company is also working on a compensation plan for affected consumers to cover out-of-pocket expenses for doctor visits and blood lead tests up to a certain amount, although this amount has not yet been disclosed.
Other Health Effects of Lead
Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but young children are most susceptible to severe effects because they absorb four to five times more ingested lead than adults. Although the use of lead in commercial paints was banned in 1978, children aged one to three living in homes built before 1978 are at greatest risk, according to a Yale Medicine report. Lead is also found in food, jewelry, toys, water, soil, cosmetics, air, and medications. No safe blood lead level in children has been established, according to the CDC. Children with elevated blood lead levels are often asymptomatic, but as lead levels rise, they may complain of symptoms such as loss of appetite, headaches, and constipation. Other symptoms include weakness, irritability, drowsiness, weight loss, hearing and balance problems, neurological and brain damage, developmental delays, and low activity. Lead exposure also increases children’s risk of developing high blood pressure, according to a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Environment. For adults, lead poisoning can result in high blood pressure, heart problems, and kidney damage. For pregnant women, it can cause fetal death, miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight.
Other Recalled Products
The popular Dino Chicken Nuggets product was also recently recalled after consumers reported the presence of small metal pieces in the patties. The Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a recall alert for nearly 30,000 pounds of Tyson’s “Chicken Nuggets” made and baked on September 4. One report of a minor oral injury was filed, according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. These bags were sold in Alabama, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Tyson urges consumers who purchased the affected products to cut the date code and Universal Product Code (UPC) and either call or text 1-855-382-3101.
Conclusion
Considered
The issue of lead contamination in applesauce for children is a serious matter that necessitates immediate measures to protect children and consumers. Manufacturers, stores, and health authorities must work together to ensure product safety and provide necessary compensation to those affected. Parents should also be cautious and verify the safety of the products they buy for their children, and follow health guidelines for handling lead poisoning cases.
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