Nearly two dozen toddlers sickened by lead linked to tainted applesauce pouches, CDC says

The Food Department Administration has recalled multiple branded pouches of applesauce after parents of nearly two dozen toddlers reported their kids getting sick. 

At least 22 toddlers in 14 states became ill from lead poisoning in tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce.

Children between the ages of one and three were affected. At least one child showed a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Health officials are now warning doctors and caregivers to be on the lookout for cases of lead poisoning in children. 

The reported symptoms included headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a change in activity level and anemia. Children may also experience abdominal pain and tremors.  

Cases of lead exposure were found in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. 

Products by these brands can be found on Amazon, Dollar Tree, Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores, Weis grocery stores and multiple other online stores

The recall of WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis products is not limited to the United States and includes Cuba and the United Arab Emirates

The FDA has launched an investigation and recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. 

Products by these brands can be found on Amazon, Dollar Tree, Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores, Weis grocery stores and multiple other online stores. 

Health officials are urging parents and teachers to stop using these products immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. 

The recall of WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis products is not limited to the United States and includes Cuba and the United Arab Emirates. 

Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health and cause well-documented health effects, including damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems. 

The CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels of lead-infused blood than most. One of the affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter. 

If parents suspect their child has been exposed to high levels of lead toxicity, the FDA recommends visiting a doctor and taking a blood lead test.