Apple cinnamon fruit pouches pulled from shelves due to toxic lead
WanaBana USA voluntarily recalled all lots of its Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches in recent weeks after staggeringly high levels of toxic lead were found in the fruit snack. Cinnamon apple sauce pouches from private label brands Schnucks (sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores) and Weis (sold at Weis grocery stores) are also included in the recall, according to the FDA.
North Carolina’s Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Health and Human Services discovered the lead contamination after doctors in the state reported multiple instances of lead poisoning in children. As of Nov. 22, the FDA reports, there were 52 complaints of illness across 25 states involving children between 1 and 4 years old. According to news reports, the amount of lead in one pouch was 2.18 parts per million, 200 times the FDA’s regulatory level for food fed to babies and toddlers.
There is no safe level of lead in blood, and exposure can be particularly detrimental in children. Children diagnosed with lead poisoning often suffer neurological effects and other health problems including:
- Anemia
- Behavioral disorders
- Brain damage
- Hearing loss
- Hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder
- Learning disabilities
- Renal damage
- Speech delay
- Stunted growth
WanaBana products are often sold at national grocery chains, such as Dollar Tree, Sam's Club, and on Amazon. A list of recalled batches for each brand can be found here:
Families are urged to seek medical care if they believe they or a loved one may be sick. Early detection and treatment are vital to preventing long-term illness or side effects arising from toxic lead exposure.
Our lead poisoning litigation experience
Motley Rice attorneys have extensive experience litigating for victims and families hurt by lead poisoning. As lead trial counsel, our attorneys worked for nearly 20 years to seek justice for 10 plaintiff cities and counties in California that alleged ConAgra Grocery Products Company, NL Industries and the Sherwin-Williams Company created a public nuisance by selling lead-contaminated pigment. Plaintiffs reached a $305 million settlement* in 2019 to fund the cleanup of toxic lead paint. That same year, our attorneys achieved a $6 million verdict* for three Milwaukee men who were exposed to lead paint as children and suffered developmental effects.
Contact Motley Rice attorneys Carmen Scott or Nicholas Williams by completing this webform or calling 1.800.768.4026 for more information on WanaBana’s recall or to discuss a potential case.
*Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.