Image courtesy of Erie County Health Department
Thursday, January 25th 2024 05:10 pm
Latest information on FDA recalls.Warn parents and caregivers to discard these products
Submitted by Erie County Health Department
The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) is asking residents to check their kitchens and cupboards to make sure the recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches have been removed and discarded.
Since last fall, extensive media coverage has called attention to lead poisoning incidents related to consumption of WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis brands of apple puree and applesauce products containing cinnamon. People who ingest these products may be exposed to lead. Lead is toxic and can cause neurological damage, especially in young children.
“These products have a long shelf life, so we want to make sure parents and caregivers can throw these foods away,” said Health Secretary Dr. Gail Burstein. “Check diaper bags, all shelves in the kitchen, childcare workers, babysitters, and supplies you may have given to family members to make sure these products are not consumed.”
She continued, “Although these products have been removed from store shelves nationwide, we know they were available at local stores like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, as well as on Amazon.com.” Public health nurses from the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program have identified four cases in Erie County where applesauce likely contributed to the poisoning.”
• To dispose of the product properly, consumers and retailers should carefully open the pouch and dispose of the contents in the trash before disposing of the package to prevent others from collecting the recalled product from the trash. Wipe up spills and wash your hands after disposing of the product.
•Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure. If you suspect your child may have been exposed to lead, parents should talk to their child's health care provider about getting a blood test.
•If you believe you or your child has eaten fruit in a recalled bag or been exposed to any other type of lead, contact your health care provider.
For many:
√ Erie County Lead Poisoning Prevention: www.erie.gov/lead
√ U.S. Food and Drug Administration latest information: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023
√ Specific lot number: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wanabana-recalls-wanabana-weis-and-schnucks-apple-cinnamon-fruit-puree-pouches- cinnamon -apple sauce
√ Erie County Office of Health Equity “Let’s Talk About Lead” Newsletter: https://www3.erie.gov/health/sites/www3.erie.gov.health/files/2023-09/heleadnewsletrenglish.pdf
