Many Kids Affected by Too Much Lead in Applesauce

Important Info for Parents: Check Your Applesauce Pouches for Safety

Hello, dear readers! Today, we're discussing a serious health concern for families with little ones. Recently, it's been found that a number of children have been affected by very high levels of lead in some cinnamon applesauce pouches.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that by February 9, there were 101 confirmed cases, 284 probable cases, and 37 suspected cases—bringing us to a total of 422 cases in 44 states. Just a week earlier, there were 413 cases in 43 states.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not seen a rise in reports recently. On February 13, they had 90 reports, which is the same number they had in late January. The CDC and FDA track these reports differently and sometimes the numbers can overlap. This means we shouldn't add their numbers together.

The story began in fall of 2023. That's when health officials in North Carolina shared this problem with federal officials. The investigation started only a few weeks after that. Sadly, three brands of cinnamon applesauce pouches in the United States were impacted and have been recalled—Wanabana, Schnucks, and Weis. As these pouches last a long time on the shelf, authorities are still asking parents to look around their homes for these products.

What Parents Should Know About Lead Poisoning

If you think a child has had any of the recalled cinnamon applesauce, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider and ask for a blood test. Short-term exposure to lead can cause headaches, tummy pain, throwing up, and anemia. Being exposed to it for longer can lead to being very irritable, feeling tired all the time, having achy muscles, being constipated, having trouble concentrating, shaking, and even losing weight.

Sadly, the long-term effects can be serious, including developmental delays and brain damage.

The Investigation Continues

The FDA is working with officials in Ecuador, where the applesauce was made, to find out more. They discovered that some cinnamon used for the applesauce had 2,000 times the safe amount of lead. The tainted cinnamon came from a supplier named Carlos Aguilera in Ecuador. The cinnamon went on to Negasmart, then to Austrofoods, which made the applesauce.

Right now, the FDA is trying to figure out when the contamination happened and if there are more products involved in making kids sick. The supplier of the cinnamon is no longer in business, and it might have been on purpose to make the spice heavier and more valuable.

The cinnamon sticks that were used in the products came from Sri Lanka. According to officials in Ecuador, these sticks had no lead in them when they were checked.

This is a reminder to always stay updated on food safety news and to take good care of the little ones by paying attention to recalls and health alerts.

Take care, and let's all keep our families safe and healthy!

Image via Wanabana, Weis, and Schnucks