HEALTH
FDA Alerts Parents To Urgent Recall Of WanaBana Fruit Puree Due To Dangerous Levels Of Lead
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning parents and caregivers that certain WanaBana fruit puree pouches contain extremely high levels of lead, and children who have consumed them should seek a blood test.
WanaBana voluntarily recalled all of its apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches following a joint investigation by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, local health departments, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the FDA.
The investigation was launched after four children elevated blood lead levels, indicating potential acute lead toxicity, and WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches were identified as a potential shared source of exposure.
Investigators analyzed multiple lots of the product and found extremely high concentrations of lead.
The FDA issued a public health alert advising parents and caregivers not to feed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to toddlers and young children due to the risk of dangerous lead exposure. Parents of children who may have consumed the product are advised to contact their childs healthcare provider about getting a blood test.
The FDA said symptoms of lead toxicity include headache, abdominal pain/colic, vomiting and anemia. Longer term exposure can cause a host of other symptoms, including irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches pr prickling/burning, absominal discomfort, constipation, difficulty concentrating, tremor, and weight loss.
WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally and are available through multiple retailers including Sams Club, Amazon and Dollar Tree. All lots and all expiration dates are being recalled.
TMX contributed to this article.
