Fruit puree linked to ‘potential acute lead toxicity’ in four kids has been recalled
A flavor of WanaBana fruit puree has been linked to “potential acute lead toxicity” in four children and soon will be recalled en masse, says an FDA warning issued Saturday.
Here are some other things you need to know:
What WanaBana fruit puree was recalled?
WanaBana recalled all lots, all expiration dates of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree, sold in 2.5-ounce packs. Among the retailers selling this fruit puree are Amazon and Dollar Tree. The FDA said Sam’s Club also sold the puree, but a representative of Sam’s Club contacted the Miami Herald to say the big box retailer never sold this puree.
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Why is the fruit puree being recalled?
A joint investigation by North Carolina’s Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services were looking into why four North Carolina children had “elevated blood lead levels, indicating potential acute lead toxicity,” the FDA said. North Carolina Health and Human Services investigators found the WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches as a common lead source.
“As part of their investigation, NCDHHS analyzed multiple lots of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree, detecting extremely high concentrations of lead,” the FDA said. “The FDA has reviewed and supports NCDHHS’s analytical findings and found that analytical results at this level could result in acute toxicity.”
What are the symptoms of lead toxicity and the problems caused by it?
“Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development” the Mayo Clinic said. “At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.”
Along with developmental issues, the Mayo Clinic says symptoms in children can include:
▪ Appetite loss
▪ Loss of weight
▪ Being tired or sluggish more often than usual
▪ Stomachaches
▪ Vomiting
▪ Constipation
▪ Loss of hearing
▪ Seizures
▪ “Eating things, such as paint chips, that aren’t food.”
What you should do if you have this puree?
When a recall is issued, return it to the seller for a full refund. If you don’t want to take the time to do that, then just throw it all in the garbage. Make sure pets can’t get to it.
Keep an eye on children who have been eating the puree.
“Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see,” the FDA said. “Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. If there’s suspicion that a child may have been exposed to lead, parents should talk to their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test.”
Questions about this recall can be answered by emailing support@wanabanafruits.com.
This story was originally published October 30, 2023 at 11:11 AM.
