Elevated lead levels found in applesauce products

 In October 2023, there was a nationwide recall of applesauce products sold by WanaBana, LLC. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local partners are currently investigating cases of elevated blood lead levels in children ages 1–3. As of Nov. 21, 2023, 5 cases of lead poisoning in children were reported in Florida.

The affected brands found to contain elevated levels of lead, WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis, were sold in retail stores and online.

Testing members for lead poisoning

Elevated levels of lead can pose serious risks to any age or health status, and especially to young children. Lead poisoning can only be diagnosed through clinical testing, and most children have no obvious immediate symptoms.

Please encourage parents whose children may have consumed this product to strongly consider getting a blood lead test. Lead testing is a covered benefit for Florida Community Plan members.

Resources

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration posted the following service announcements on its site:

• WanaBana Issues Voluntary Recall of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches Due to Elevated Lead Levels
• FDA Advises Parents and Caregivers Not to Buy or Feed WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches to Toddlers and Young Children Because of Elevated Lead Levels
• Investigation of Elevated Lead and Chromium Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (November 2023)

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