The FDA is cautioning parents and caregivers against purchasing or providing pureed fruit pouches aimed at toddlers and young children due to potential high levels of lead.

The agency recommended testing children who have consumed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches for potential lead poisoning.

Health officials in North Carolina have reported that four children were discovered to have elevated levels of lead in their blood due to consuming pureed products. After analyzing several batches of the product, state health officials found excessively high levels of lead. The FDA has confirmed these findings and warned that they could potentially cause acute poisoning.

The company WanaBana, located in Coral Gables, Florida, has issued a recall for all lot codes and expiration dates of their snack products. These products are sold nationwide, including at Sam’s Club, Dollar Tree, and Amazon.

Lead can have detrimental effects on individuals of all age groups, but it can have a particularly damaging impact on children. Although children may not display any noticeable signs, it is crucial for those who have been exposed to undergo testing to determine the amount of lead present in their blood. The FDA has stated that brief exposure to lead may lead to symptoms such as headaches, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and anemia.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, food products can contain heavy metals such as lead due to contamination from various sources like soil, air, water, and industrial activities. The exposure to lead can have severe consequences on children’s health, including impairments to the brain and nervous system and stunted growth and development. The AAP stated that there is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe.

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