(ITHACA, NY, November 27, 2023) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) are investigating reports of high blood lead levels in individuals with reported exposure to Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches manufactured in Ecuador and sold under the following brands:
- WanaBana
- Weis
- Schnucks
WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally and are available through multiple retailers including Dollar Tree, Amazon and other online outlets. Weis brand is sold at Weis grocery stores. Schnucks brand is available at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores.
As of November 27, there are no reports of children in Tompkins County with elevated blood lead levels potentially linked to the recalled applesauce.
The FDA recently announced that recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree is still on the shelves at several Dollar Tree stores in multiple states. The FDA is working to make sure the applesauce is effectively recalled and removed from stores. This product should not be available for sale and consumers should not purchase or eat this product because it is potentially contaminated with lead, which can be harmful to health, especially for children. If you are in possession of this applesauce, stop using the recalled products and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can email the company at support@wanabanafruits.com. If you have any concerns about exposure to this product, contact your healthcare provider or pediatrician about getting your child tested and other resources.
While children can be exposed to lead from many sources in our environment, lead poisoning is preventable. All children should have their blood tested for lead levels at ages 1 and 2, as required by New York State law. Healthcare providers will recommend this test at children’s well visits. Lead poisoning can have serious health effects, including developmental and growth delays, hearing loss, and kidney disease. Resources are available to test homes for lead paint. Learn more on our website: tompkinscountyny.gov/health/lead
Tompkins County Whole Health (formerly the Tompkins County Health Department and Mental Health Services) envisions a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Get Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text, sign up here.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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