All WanaBana apple cinnamon pouches recalled for potentially elevated levels of lead: FDA

Parents and caregivers are being advised to avoid giving WanaBana apple cinnamon pouches to children because the fruit puree product may contain elevated levels of lead.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, all WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches should not be given to children. This includes all lot codes and expiration dates for the pouches, which are sold nationally and are available through multiple retailers including Amazon and Dollar Tree.

WanaBana has agreed to voluntarily recall the pouches, according to the FDA, regardless of their expiration.

For any toddlers or young children who may have consumed the product, parents and caretakers are encouraged to consult the child's healthcare provider about getting a blood test, the FDA advises.

An investigation by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services found four children with elevated lead levels in their blood, which indicated potential acute lead toxicity.

According to the FDA, the investigation by the North Carolina state agencies identified the WanaBana pouches as a potential shared source of the exposure. When the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services analyzed multiple lots of the WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree, it found extremely high concentrations of lead.

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FDA identifies 2 more applesauce bands that may have elevated lead levels

The FDA's investigation is ongoing, but the agency has identified two other brands with applesauce pouches that may contain elevated levels of lead. The brands include:

• Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack, sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores
• Weis cinnamon apple sauce pouches, sold at Weis grocery stores, specific lots of UPC 041497216123.

The pouches from all three of the brands have been recalled, according to the FDA, who recommends you contact your health care provider if you think you or a child has `been exposed to lead.

What are the signs and symptoms of lead toxicity?

Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of all ages and health statuses. Exposure to lead is often difficult to identify, according to the FDA, and most children have no obvious immediate symptoms.

Exposure to lead can only be diagnosed through clinical testing, and signs and symptoms of lead toxicity varies, based on exposure.

Here are some symptoms of short-term lead exposure:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain/Colic
• Vomiting
• Anemia

Long-term exposure to lead could have additional symptoms, including:

• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
• Occasional abdominal discomfort
• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility
• Headache
• Tremor
• Weight loss

What does lead exposure do?

Lead exposure can seriously harm a child's health and lead to long-term health effects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, including:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Slowed growth and development
• Learning and behavior problems
• Hearing and speech problems

This can lead to negative effects on learning and focus, the CDC notes.