WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches were recalled after “extremely high” lead levels were found and over 400 people suffered lead poisoning.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Applesauce Pouch induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your child was diagnosed with lead poisoning after eating applesauce pouches, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Toxic Chromium Found in Applesauce Pouches
Cinnamon applesauce pouches that have been linked to an outbreak of lead poisoning were also contaminated with “high levels” of chromium, which is another toxic heavy metal, according to the FDA.
The ratio of lead-to-chromium was consistent with lead chromate, which contains chromium VI, according to the FDA. Chromium VI is known to cause cancer.
Lead chromate is a toxic metal that is used illegally to add color to certain brightly-colored spices, such as cinnamon or turmeric. The criminals make more money, but anyone who eats these contaminated spices can suffer toxic heavy metal poisoning.
354 People Got Lead Poisoning from Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches
On January 26, 2024, the CDC published an Outbreak Investigation to report that 404 people in 43 states got lead poisoning after eating WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches. The illnesses were reported between October 2023 and January 2024.
The vast majority of victims are young children under 6 years old, but at least one adult (age 53) was also diagnosed with lead poisoning.
The states where illnesses were reported include: AL (1), AR (1), AZ (1), CA (1), CT (1), FL (1), GA (2), IA (1), IL (5), IN (1), KY (3), LA (4), MA (3), MD (7), MI (8), MO (3), NC (6), NE (2), NH (1), NJ (1), NM (1), NY (8), OH (3), OK (1), PA (2), SC (2), TN (3), TX (3), VA (2), WA (4), WI (2), WV (3), Unknown (3).
Lawsuit Filed by Family of Girl With Lead Poisoning
On October 31, 2023, the first lawsuit was filed against WanaBana by the family of a 1-year-old girl from Wake Forest, North Carolina, who suffered severe lead poisoning from WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches.
The lawsuit was filed by Eric and Heather Goolsby, whose 1-year-old daughter was found to have 20 mcg/dL of lead in her bloodstream during a routine checkup. A normal level should be less than 3.5 mcg/dL.
According to the lawsuit, the little girl ate dozens of WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches before she was diagnosed with lead poisoning. Within days of the recall, the family filed a proposed class action lawsuit in North Carolina.
Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches Linked to Lead Poisoning Outbreak
In November 2023, the FDA issued a Safety Warning after WanaBana®, Schnucks®, and Weis® brands of cinnamon applesauce pouches were recalled for “extremely high” levels of lead in the cinnamon ingredient.
Schnuck’s Applesauce Pouch Recall
On November 3, 2023, Schnuck Markets Inc. announced a recall for certain Schnucks® applesauce pouches due to elevated levels of lead.
Elevated levels of lead were found in the cinnamon raw material used by Austrofood SAS, the manufacturer of the cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, according to the recall notice.
Schnucks and Eatwell Markets customers are urged to check for:
- Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch 12 pk., UPC: 4131801152
- Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch 4 pk., UPC: 4131801155
- Schnucks Applesauce Pouch Variety 20 pk., UPC: 4131801157
WanaBana Applesauce Pouch Recall
On October 29, 2023, WanaBana announced a recall for WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches after certain pouches tested positive for “extremely high concentrations of lead.”
Four children were diagnosed with lead poisoning, according to health officials in North Carolina.
The recall involves all WanaBana cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, regardless of expiration date or lot code. They were sold nationwide at Sam’s Club, Dollar Tree, Amazon, and other stores. They came in 3-packs with each pouch containing 2.5-oz. of sauce.
Weis Applesauce Pouch Recall
On November 6, 2023, Weis announced a recall for Weis Quality Cinnamon Apple Sauce Pouches due to elevated lead levels. The recall involves 20-count packages with a UPC 41497216123, LOT NUMBER 05023:28, and BEST IF USED BY 7/28/2024.
Health Risks of Lead Poisoning in Children
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is harmful for people of all ages, but it particularly dangerous for children because they are growing so rapidly.
Lead poisoning in children may not have visible symptoms, but it can cause severe long-term health problems like permanent brain damage, lower IQ, learning and behavior problems, slow growth and development, hearing and speech problems, and more.
What Should I Do?
Parents or caregivers who believe a child may have been exposed to lead should ask about getting a blood test.
According to the CDC, “No safe level of lead in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in the blood can negatively impact a child’s health and should be viewed as a concern.”
Can I File A Lawsuit?
If your child had a blood lead level of 3.5 µg/dL or higher measured within 3 months after consuming a recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis brand fruit puree product after November 2022, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
A child with lead poisoning may not have any visible symptoms. Most children who have lead poisoning look and act healthy. The only way to diagnose lead poisoning is with a blood test.
According to the CDC:
“Even low levels of lead have been associated with learning and behavior problems, hearing and speech problems, and slowed growth and development. This can show up as lower IQ, decreased ability to pay attention, and underperformance in school.”
If symptoms do appear, short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain/Colic
- Vomiting
- Anemia
Longer exposure to lead could result in additional symptoms, such as:
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
- Occasional abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility
- Headache
- Tremor
- Weight loss
Children who are exposed to large amounts of lead may develop symptoms of acute lead poisoning, including:
- Abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea
- Anemia
- Weakness and fatigue
- Severe neurological symptoms (including seizures, encephalopathy, and coma)
Do I have an Applesauce Pouch Lead Poisoning Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Applesauce Pouch induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your child was diagnosed with lead poisoning after eating applesauce pouches, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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