Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
“As reported in a safety alert issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, the FDA, along with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) are investigating reports of four children with elevated blood lead levels, indicating potential acute lead toxicity,” the FDA website states. During the investigation the three establishments identified WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches as possible exposure. In testing it was discovered that the puches had extremely high concentrations of lead. The issue was then transferred to the FDA's Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network. They then identified two more brands of products with lead levels, Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce puches and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.
WanaBana are sold nationally, available at Dollar Tree, Amazon and other outlets. Schnucks is sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores. Weis brand are sold at Weis grocery stores. It is warned that consumers should not eat, sell or serve these products. On top of that due to their long shelf life it is recommended consumers check their homes and discard products.