- The CDC issued a health advisory on high levels of blood lead in children who consumed recalled cinnamon applesauce baby food pouches.
- Multiple states reported potential lead toxicity cases to the FDA, which is investigating three companies issuing voluntary recalls of the lead-contaminated pouches.
- The federal investigation follows multiple reports of lead poisoning among young children ages 1 to 3.
- Heavy metals like lead are found in many foods, but toxicity from lead exposure can build up over time.
- Consumers can protect themselves by avoiding the recalled baby food pouches and taking precautions to minimize lead exposure from other foods.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory on November 13 warning against lead toxicity cases from contaminated baby food pouches, which has affected young children in at least 14 states.
Three companies manufacturing apple cinnamon baby food pouches have issued a voluntary product recall and are
The products at the center of the recall include:
WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches (available at most retailers, including Amazon)- Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack (sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores)
- Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches (sold at Weis grocery stores)
The FDA advises consumers to not eat sell or serve the recalled products, since all lot codes and expiration dates are included in the recalls. The agency is working to pinpoint the source of the contamination, which is likely linked to high amounts of lead in raw cinnamon material used by the products’ manufacturers.
According to the CDC, lead toxicity cases tied to the recalled baby food pouches include:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Missouri
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
In North Carolina, where the FDA’s investigation began, four cases of acute lead toxicity were reported in children. State health officials urged caution to not buy or feed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to toddlers and young children due to potentially elevated levels of lead.
“WanaBana USA has initiated a voluntary recall of the affected batches and is working closely with the FDA to investigate the source of the contamination,” the company said in a
Officials at Schnucks said their supplier reported higher than normal lead levels in cinnamon.
“Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to stop using it immediately. Affected products may be returned to the Schnucks or Eatwell Market store of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact the Schnucks Customer Care team at 314-994-4400 or 1-800-264-4400,” the company said in a statement.
Healthline has reached out to Weis for further comment but has not immediately received a reply.
Lead poisoning can affect anyone regardless of age and health status. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
Contaminants like lead can get into foods during the manufacturing process. Some spices, such as cinnamon, have been found to harbor heavy metals like lead.
In 2021, Consumer Reports tested 126 common herbs and spices and found that many common products contained arsenic, cadmium, and lead. A
Food scientist Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, a faculty research fellow at Pacific Lutheran University and author of “150 Food Science Questions Answered,” explained to Healthline:
“Contaminants may come in through ingredients that have been previously contaminated during harvesting and processing, water used in the production process, process piping that may contain heavy metals in the alloy or accidental incorporation of metal filings or shards into vats and production lines from workers during repairs or reconstruction.”
Lead exposure is usually minimal and toxicity builds up over time. This means most children exposed to lead may not experience symptoms at the immediate onset.
Trista Best, MPH, a registered dietitian and Environmental Health Specialist with Balance One Supplements, told Healthline that lead poisoning can present with various symptoms and signs. These may include:
- decreased appetite
- irritability
- fatigue
- poor sleep
- headaches
- loss of concentration or focus
- abdominal pain or cramping
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- constipation
- weight loss
More severe cases of lead poisoning and toxicity in children may lead to learning difficulties and developmental delays, Best said.
“High lead levels can affect an infant’s cognitive and physical development, potentially resulting in speech and language delays, as well as behavioral problems,” Best said.
“Additionally, lead exposure can cause anemia, which may lead to paleness, fatigue, and weakness in affected infants. It’s important to note that symptoms of lead poisoning can be subtle, making it challenging to diagnose.”
If you believe your child has been exposed to lead in their food, you should contact a healthcare professional. Your doctor or pediatrician may administer a blood test to check for lead exposure.
If lead toxicity is determined, your doctor may advise a protocol to remove lead from the body or reduce further exposure. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend chelation therapy, a treatment that binds to lead that has built up in the body.
“Regular check-ups and monitoring for lead exposure in infants, especially those who have ingested contaminated baby food, are essential to ensure early detection and intervention to mitigate potential long-term health effects,” Best advised.
The FDA advises consumers to avoid purchasing apple cinnamon baby food pouches, but trace amounts of lead can still be found in many foods.
You can reduce the potential for lead exposure from other foods by washing fruits, vegetables, and grains thoroughly.
Be sure to get enough calcium in your diet, which
The FDA is investigating three companies selling apple cinnamon puree baby food pouches after reports of acute lead toxicity in children.
Consumers are advised to avoid the recalled products until the FDA’s investigation is complete.