CDC Reports 22 Toddlers Ill After Eating Applesauce With Lead

Twenty-two children in 14 states have reportedly fallen ill after eating applesauce pouches “tainted” with lead. According to AP News, the CDC issued a health alert for parents and doctors on Monday, November 13.

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More Details Regarding The CDC’s Report & Impacted Products

According to the CDC, multiple states have reported cases to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linking “high blood lead levels” to children who have eaten “recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce products.”

The FDA reports that the affected applesauce products include “Recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Recalled Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack and Recalled Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.”

🚨Additional Recall Alert for Applesauce Puree Pouches Due to Lead Contamination

Recall now includes WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches & variety pack, & Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. pic.twitter.com/CesMd9MJGo

— Tompkins County Whole Health (@TCWholeHealth) November 8, 2023

More Information Regarding The Impacted Children & Their Symptoms

According to AP News, 22 children have been sickened by the lead-tainted applesauce pouches thus far. The outlet reports that the children are between the ages of between the ages of 1-3.

The FDA reports that children who have been impacted by lead poisoning may not have “obvious immediate symptoms.” However, short-term exposure to lead can lead to symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain/colic, and anemia in children.

Long-term exposure can lead to muscle aches, burning or weakness, constipation, tremors, and even weight loss, among other symptoms.

The CDC adds that the effects of lead poisoning in children “may continue into adulthood.”

More Details Regarding Impacted States & What Parents Should Do Next

According to the CDC, the 22 reported cases come from 14 states.

“Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington,” the CDC‘s official website reads as the total 14.

Furthermore, AP News notes that the impacted applesauce products have been sold in-store and online. The FDA states that consumers should not “eat, sell, or serve” the WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis applesauce pouches but instead immediately “discard them.”

The FDA also recommends that consumers thoroughly search their homes for these products as they may have been stored away due to their longer shelf life.

Furthermore, the FDA recommends that parents who are suspicious their children may have eaten the impacted products bring them to a medical professional for blood testing. The association also urges parents to immediately call a doctor if their children show signs of “lead toxicity.”

The association adds, “updates to this advisory will be provided as they become available.”

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