WanaBana Lawsuit

WanaBana recall

On October 30, 2023, WanaBana issued a voluntary recall of its apple cinnamon fruit purée 2.5 oz pouches. The recall was issued because of reports of high lead levels in the fruit pouches. Testing revealed lead levels 200 times the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) limit for food for babies and toddlers. The initial recall affected only certain lots of the apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. However, just over a week later, the recall was expanded to include all lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches.

The product is distributed under the Schnucks supermarket brand name as well. On November 9, 2023, WanaBana recalled several of these lots. The Schnucks recalled apple sauce is Schnucks Apple Sauce 90g pouches with cinnamon, lot codes 05023:19, 09023:22 and 09023:24.

Weis Supermarkets branded pouches were also included in the November 9, 2023, recall expansion. The recalled Weiss apple sauce is the Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce 90g, lot number 05023:28.

Stores where recalled fruit pouches were sold

The FDA has said WanaBana is cooperating with recall efforts. However, some retailers have been slow to respond. As late as December 19, 2023, the FDA reported, recalled WanaBana products were still on the shelves at several Dollar Tree/Family Dollar combination stores across the country.

Reports of injuries caused by lead in WanaBana products

Four cases of elevated blood lead levels reported in North Carolina spurred the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to investigate.

The two departments sampled the WanaBana apple cinnamon pouches and found elevated levels of lead. This finding led to the company’s voluntary fruit pouch recall.

As of December 20, 2023, the FDA had received more than 200 reports of adverse health events related to these recalled products. The children involved in these complaints are younger than five years old. The issue spans the country, with reports of related health issues in at least 33 states.

Impact of lead exposure and poisoning

Lead exposure can have short and long-term effects on human health. Lead poisoning can be particularly dangerous for young children. The FDA has warned consumers of WanaBana products to be aware of the following short-term lead exposure side effects:

• Abdominal pain
• Anemia
• Colic
• Headache
• Vomiting

The FDA has also said that longer-term lead exposure could lead to the following symptoms:

• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating/muscular exhaustibility
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
• Occasional abdominal discomfort
• Tremor
• Weight loss

Parents and caregivers should monitor lead poisoning symptoms in children if they have consumed the WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis Markets apple cinnamon products. Even if your child is not exhibiting symptoms, the FDA has recommended talking to your child’s doctor about a blood test.

WanaBana fruit pouch lawsuit

Parents of children affected by the elevated lead levels in WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis Markets fruit pouches have filed lead poisoning lawsuits.

Legal action around the lead contamination in WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis Markets products is still evolving.

Parents who believe their child was harmed by consuming a WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis Markets product may wish to learn more. Our attorneys have experience helping parents bring claims against companies they believe harmed their children.

Contact an attorney to learn more about fruit pouch lawsuits and eligibility.

Our experience fighting for families and children

Motley Rice attorneys have worked for decades to seek justice for children and families affected by toxic and dangerous exposures.

The firm’s additional experience includes:

• Representing parents whose children have birth defects allegedly caused by medical drugs, including Effexor, Zofran and Zoloft.
• Negotiating a $305 million settlement to fund lead paint cleanup and abatement efforts in 10 California communities. Lead exposure greatly impacts children.
• Litigating product liability claims, including harms caused by consumer goods like hair relaxers.
• Negotiating a $600 million settlement for residents of Flint, Michigan, that resolved legal claims against the state for allegedly causing the contamination of Flint’s water supply with lead and other harmful substances.

Learn more about toxic exposure litigation.