Schnucks recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches after several children suffered lead poisoning and tests found “extremely high” levels of lead in the cinnamon ingredient.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Schnucks Applesauce induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your child was diagnosed with lead poisoning from 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.
Schnucks Applesauce Recalled for Lead Poisoning Risk
On November 3, 2023, Schnuck Markets Inc. recalled Schnucks® cinnamon applesauce pouches due to high levels of lead.
On January 16, 2024, the CDC issued an Outbreak Update to report that 354 people in 41 states had been diagnosed with lead poisoning after eating the recalled applesauce pouches between mid-October and January 2024.
The illnesses were reported in 41 states, including: 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 (2), Unknown (3).
What Applesauce Pouches Are Being Recalled?
The recall involves Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches that were sold at Schnucks grocery stores and and Eatwell Markets. The following products are being recalled:
- Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch 12 pk., UPC: 4131801152
- Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch 4 pk., UPC: 4131801155
- Schnucks Applesauce Pouch Variety 20 pk., UPC: 4131801157
What Happened?
Four children in North Carolina were diagnosed with lead poisoning after eating cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches under the WanaBana® brand, according to a Safety Warning from the FDA. Tests found “extremely high” levels of lead in the pouches, according to health officials in North Carolina.
Lead Contamination Traced to Cinnamon Ingredient
The cinnamon raw ingredient tested positive for lead contamination, according to Schnucks.
The supplier, Purcell International, notified Schnucks of elevated levels of lead found in the cinnamon raw material used by Austrofood SAS, the manufacturer of the applesauce cinnamon pouches.
What is the Risk?
Children with lead poisoning may not show any obvious symptoms, but they are at risk of permanent brain damage.
The symptoms may be subtle, such as attention deficits, behavior problems, lower IQ, learning disabilities, slower growth and development, hearing and speech delays, kidney damage, nerve damage, and other issues.
What Should I Do?
Children may need to get a blood test for lead poisoning if they ate a Schnucks Cinnamon Apple Sauce Pouch that was recalled for lead.
Tell your healthcare provider that your child ate a food product that was recalled due to extremely high levels of lead. Children who are diagnosed with lead poisoning may be at risk of long-term health problems, learning disabilities, and other developmental challenges.
Even Low Levels of Lead Can Harm Children
No level of lead is safe for children, according to health officials. “Even low levels of lead in the blood can negatively impact a child’s health and should be viewed as a concern,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Parents of children who were diagnosed with lead poisoning from Schnucks applesauce pouches may be eligible to file a lawsuit or join a class action. By filing a lawsuit, our lawyers may be able to help you seek justice and compensation through a settlement or jury verdict.
How Much is My Lawsuit Worth?
Lawsuits for lead poisoning may seek financial compensation for the child’s pain and suffering, medical expenses, permanent brain damage, decreased quality of life or earning potential, and more.
Signs & Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Children with lead poisoning may not show any obvious symptoms, so the only way to diagnose it 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
Long-term 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 a Schnucks Applesauce Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Schnucks Applesauce induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your child was diagnosed with lead poisoning from 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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