Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches Causing High Blood Lead Levels in Children

Various recalled cinnamon apple purée and applesauce products with elevated lead levels have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recalled products have been the cause of 52 reported cases of illness in children, as of November 22.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to advise clinicians and health departments to report cases to their local health authorities.

Background

FDA, CDC, and state and local partners are investigating a potential link between high blood lead levels and consuming certain cinnamon-containing apple purée and applesauce products.

State partners tested multiple lots of the reported products, and test results indicated the products contained extremely high levels of lead. WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis have initiated voluntary recalls of certain lots of the following products:

  • WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches

  • Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

  • Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

More Information

More information about the specific recalled products may be found on the FDA’s website: Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Applesauce Pouches (November 2023) | FDA

Julianna Rios