Weis applesauce pouches were recalled after an outbreak of lead poisoning was linked to the cinnamon ingredient.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Weis 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.
Weis Applesauce Recalled for Lead Poisoning Risk
On November 6, 2023, Weis Markets announced a recall for Weis Quality® Cinnamon Apple Sauce Pouches due to elevated levels of lead in the cinnamon ingredient.
As of January 16, 2024, the CDC has reported that 354 people in 41 states had been diagnosed with lead poisoning after eating Weis, Schnucks, or WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches.
The vast majority of the victims are young children under 6 years old, but at least one adult (age 53) was also diagnosed with lead poisoning after eating the applesauce pouches.
What Applesauce Pouches Were Recalled?
The recall involves all lot codes and expiration dates of Weis Quality® Cinnamon Apple Sauce Pouches (i.e., specific lots of UPC 041497216123).
What Happened?
The FDA issued a Safety Warning after “extremely high” levels of lead were found in WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches. Hundreds of children in dozens of states were diagnosed with lead poisoning, according to the FDA.
What Brands of Applesauce Were Recalled?
The recall involves WanaBana®, Schnucks®, and Weis Quality® brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches that were manufactured by Austrofood SAS. Lead was found in the cinnamon raw material that was used by Austrofood to make the products.
Children May Need a Blood Test for Lead
Children who ate Weis Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches may need a blood test to check for lead poisoning.
Parents and caregivers should tell a healthcare provider that the child ate food that was recalled due to lead. Children with lead poisoning may not show any obvious symptoms, but even low levels of lead can cause health problems.
What is the Risk?
“No safe blood lead level in children has been identified,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). “Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child’s intelligence, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement.”
Lead Poisoning in Children
Lead is an extremely toxic heavy metal. It is particularly dangerous for children because they are growing so quickly. Lead exposure can cause permanent brain damage, lower IQ, learning disabilities, hearing and speech problems, slower development, behavior problems, kidney damage, nerve damage, and other side effects.
The neurological and behavioral side effects of lead are believed to be irreversible, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Should I File a Lawsuit?
Parents of children who were diagnosed with lead poisoning after eating Weis applesauce pouches may be eligible to file a lawsuit or join a class action. You may qualify to seek financial compensation for your child’s pain and suffering, medical expenses, long-term injuries, disabilities, decreased quality of life or earning potential, and more.
Warning Signs & Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning may not cause any obvious symptoms in children, even if they have harmful amounts lead in their body. If symptoms do appear, the short-term signs may include:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain/Colic
- Vomiting
- Anemia
Long-term exposure to lead may cause the following additional symptoms of lead poisoning:
- 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 Weis Applesauce Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Weis 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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