The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 07, 2025
Today: April 07, 2025

Nearly two dozen toddlers sickened by lead linked to tainted applesauce pouches, CDC says

Fruit Pouch Lead
November 13, 2023

U.S. health officials are warning doctors to be on the lookout for possible cases of lead poisoning in children after at least 22 toddlers in 14 states were sickened by lead linked to tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce.

Children ages 1 to 3 were affected, and at least one child showed a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Thereโ€™s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children's blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

The reported symptoms included headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a change in activity level and anemia.

The illnesses are part of an outbreak tied to recalled pouches of fruit puree marketed to kids from the brands WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches. The products were sold in stores and online.

Parents and caregivers should not buy or serve the products, and kids who may have eaten them should be tested for lead levels. Children who are affected may show no symptoms, experts said.

Lead exposure can lead to serious learning and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The CDC said there were cases in the following states as of Nov. 7: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Instituteโ€™s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Share This

Popular

Health|Political|US

Former US Rep. Mia Love honored in Utah after brain cancer death

Former US Rep. Mia Love honored in Utah after brain cancer death
Health|MidEast|Political|World

Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 32, mostly women and children

Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 32, mostly women and children
Europe|Health|Political|World

Aid cuts could leave more women dying in pregnancy and birth, UN says

Aid cuts could leave more women dying in pregnancy and birth, UN says
Health|US

Kennedy arrives in Texas after a second unvaccinated child dies of measles amid the stateโ€™s outbreak

Kennedy arrives in Texas after a second unvaccinated child dies of measles amid the stateโ€™s outbreak

Health

Health|Science|US

Second child died from measles-related causes in West Texas, where cases are nearing 500

Second child died from measles-related causes in West Texas, where cases are nearing 500
Health|Lifestyle|US

Inspired by late mother, Wisconsin man rides Peloton to fight Parkinson's

Inspired by late mother, Wisconsin man rides Peloton to fight Parkinson's
Health|Science|US

US sees third measles-related death amid outbreaks

US sees third measles-related death amid outbreaks
Arts|Entertainment|Health|Lifestyle

Mother turns grief into art; "Just knowing that a part of Lewis is still living on this earth is so comforting."

Mother turns grief into art; "Just knowing that a part of Lewis is still living on this earth is so comforting."

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In