Schnucks, WanaBana, and Weis Cinnamon Apple Purée and Applesauce Products Recalled Due to Lead Contamination
With nearly three dozen illnesses possibly linked to recalled products, the FDA urges lead testing of kids who consumed them
Update, Dec. 7, 2023: The Food and Drug Administration said the number of children who have been possibly harmed by lead contamination from the recalled apple-cinnamon fruit pouches rose to 64. All of the children are under the age of 6. The FDA also said it’s continuing both to investigate the companies Negasmart and Austrofoods, located in Ecuador, on the source of the contaminated cinnamon used in the recalled pouches and to evaluate reports of adverse events in the U.S.
Update, Dec. 1, 2023: The FDA issued an update on its investigation into lead contamination in apple-cinnamon fruit pouches. Cinnamon has now been confirmed as the likely source of lead in the recalled products. The agency confirmed that the supplier of the cinnamon—Negasmart, located in Ecuador—doesn’t import cinnamon directly into the U.S., and there’s no indication that the issue extends beyond the recalled brands. However, its investigation is continuing, and it is screening shipments of cinnamon from multiple countries coming into the U.S. for lead contamination. As of Nov. 30, 2023, no cinnamon has tested positive for lead. In addition, there are now 57 reports of children between ages 1 and 5 being affected.
Update, Nov. 22, 2023: The FDA said that the number of illnesses potentially linked to the recalled apple/cinnamon pouches has increased to 52, and that those harmed are between the ages of 1 and 4. The agency also said it is continuing to review cases as they come in. And, the FDA warns consumers that one of the recalled products, WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Purée, has been found on shelves at several Dollar Tree stores in the U.S. Do not buy this product or consume it if you already purchased it. The FDA said it is working with the retailer to get the recalled products removed.
Update, Nov. 17, 2023: The FDA said there are now 34 illnesses potentially linked to the recalled apple/cinnamon pouches, and that its testing found lead levels 200 times greater than what the FDA would consider acceptable in a sample pouch of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée from a Dollar Tree store. Contaminated cinnamon from Ecuador is the likely culprit, and the agency said it’s working with authorities there as part of its investigation. While the FDA says it doesn’t have any indication that the issue extends beyond the recalled products, it is also screening shipments of cinnamon from multiple countries for lead contamination as a safety measure. The FDA also reminded parents that sample tests of fruit purée pouches from WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks that do not contain cinnamon and were not recalled from the companies have not been shown to have elevated levels of lead.
Update, Nov. 14, 2023: The FDA said there are now 22 illnesses potentially linked to the recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches. No illnesses have yet been linked to the recalled products from Schnucks (recalled lot codes: 05023:19, 09023:22, and 09023:24) or Weis (lot code 05023:28), according to the FDA’s announcement.
Update, Nov. 6, 2023: The FDA said two additional cinnamon-applesauce products have been recalled because of very high lead levels: certain Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs, sold at stores in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri; and certain cinnamon-applesauce pouches sold under the Weis supermarket brand name (no link available). If you have one of those products, call or stop by the Weis store where you bought the product to confirm and either throw it out or ask for a refund.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a public health alert warning parents not to give young children WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches because the product may be contaminated with high levels of lead.
The agency also said that children who have eaten this product should have a blood test to check for possible lead exposure.
Risks of Lead Poisoning
Lead exposure can be toxic for everyone, but young children and pregnant people are particularly vulnerable to the effects because children’s and fetuses’ brains and bodies are developing.
In the short term, exposure to large amounts of lead can cause headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia. Longer term, it may cause fatigue, irritability, muscle aches, and other symptoms. Children don’t always experience symptoms, however.
And over time, even small amounts can lead to developmental delays, difficulty learning, behavioral problems, and lower IQ.
The 12 Cinnamon Products You Should Never Use
Consumer Reports found high lead levels in a third of the cinnamon powders and spice mixtures we tested.
Lead Limits Proposed
Earlier this year, the FDA proposed limits to the levels of heavy metals found in some baby foods, as part of its Closer to Zero action plan. But although that guidance is not yet finalized, says Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at CR, “it appears it hasn’t prevented the agency from taking action, which is reassuring.”
CR has urged the FDA to set a goal of having no measurable amounts of any heavy metal, including lead, in children’s food (the current proposal is for 10 parts per billion to 20 ppb, depending on the food).
“This investigation in North Carolina and the corresponding recall demonstrates that consumers, especially children, can’t afford to wait,” Ronholm says.
Consumers who purchased WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit purée can return it for a full refund. If you have questions about the recall, email the company at [email protected]. You can also visit the company’s recall page.
