WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches were recalled after “extremely high” lead levels were found and 57 children 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: 57 Children Got Lead Poisoning from WanaBana Applesauce Pouches
On November 30, 2023, the FDA published an Outbreak Update to report 57 cases of lead poisoning in 26 states that are linked to the recalled WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches. The illnesses were reported between mid-October and the end of November 2023.
The recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree may still be on the shelves at Dollar Tree stores in multiples states. This product should not be available and consumers should not purchase this product.
Health officials are currently testing other fruit puree and applesauce pouches for lead contamination.
The states where illnesses were reported include AL (1), AR (1), CA (1), CT (1), FL (1), GA (2) IA (1), IL (2), KY (3), LA (4), MA (3), MD (4), MI (3), MO (1), NC (5), NE (1), NH (1), NM (1), NY (8), OH (2), PA (1), SC (2), TN (1), TX (3) VA (1), WA (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.”
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.
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
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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