Lead Contamination in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches May Be Intentional

Recalled applesauce pouches that left many children sick with lead poisoning could have been tainted on purpose, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Jim Jones, the FDA deputy commissioner for Human Foods, said the investigation is ongoing, but signs indicate an intentional act. “We’re still in the midst of our investigation,” Jones said in an interview with Politico. He believes that all the information the FDA has received thus far led to the actions of someone in the supply chain. That element is subsequently being figured out.

Weis, WanaBana, and Schnucks are three brands with contaminated pouches. All have ties to a manufacturing facility in Ecuador, which is under inspection by the FDA. As of Dec. 19, 69 U.S. children under the age of 6 tested positive for lead poisoning after consuming the pouches. Some were at levels more than 500 times the acceptable threshold for lead, as reported by The Washington Post.

The affected brands include WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs, and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally and available through multiple retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar/Dollar Tree combination stores, and other online outlets.

Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs are sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores. Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches are sold at Weis grocery stores.

Consumers should refrain from eating, selling, or serving recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis-brand apple cinnamon pouches and should discard them. These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes and dump these products. To properly discard the product, consumers and retailers should carefully open the pouch and empty the contents into a trash can before discarding the packaging to prevent others from salvaging recalled products from the trash.

Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Children are more susceptible to lead toxicity, but most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. Parents and caretakers should consult their healthcare provider if they suspect their child may have been exposed to lead.