FDA Warns of Dangerous Lead Levels in WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches for Children
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about certain pureed fruit pouches from WanaBana, cautioning that they may contain dangerously high levels of lead. Parents and caregivers have been strongly advised not to purchase or serve WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to children, according to a recent public health alert released by the agency.
The FDA has further recommended that children who have consumed this product should undergo testing for possible lead poisoning. The alert was prompted by the discovery of four children in North Carolina with elevated levels of lead in their blood, which were traced back to these specific WanaBana products.
State health officials in North Carolina identified “extremely high” concentrations of lead in the pouches after analyzing multiple lots. Exposure to such elevated lead levels could potentially lead to “acute toxicity,” as outlined by the FDA.
Lead can infiltrate food products through various means, including soil, air, water, and industrial processes, as per information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Lead is particularly harmful to children’s health, as it can result in damage to the brain and nervous system, as well as hindered growth and development.
WanaBana, a company based in Coral Gables, Florida, has taken immediate action by issuing a recall for all lot codes and expiration dates of the affected products, which are distributed nationally. These products are available at various retail locations, including Amazon, Dollar Tree, and Sam’s Club.
Source:
• [U.S. Food and Drug Administration, public health alert, Oct. 28, 2023]
