Lead Poisoning Case Linked to Nationwide Applesauce Recall

Public health officials in New York have confirmed a case of lead poisoning linked to the nationwide recall of applesauce products. The Monroe County Department of Public Health investigators traced the case to WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree, purchased at a local Dollar Tree store.

The affected product, along with apple cinnamon pouches from Schnucks and Weis brands, was manufactured by Ecuador-based Austrofood. The voluntary recall, initiated in November, followed reports of children falling ill due to elevated lead levels. Retailers were directed to remove the affected products from their shelves.

The confirmed case has prompted Commissioner of Public Health, Dr. Michael Mendoza, to urge Monroe County residents to check their homes for these recalled products. Residents are advised to dispose of any remaining applesauce into the trash before discarding the packaging.

“There is no safe level of lead in children, and most children will not have immediate symptoms of lead poisoning,” the agency emphasized. Local healthcare providers have been alerted to screen for elevated blood lead levels related to the consumption of the recalled products.

As of December 5, the FDA has received 64 reports of illnesses possibly linked to the recalled products, with all confirmed complainants under the age of 6. The CDC has received reports of at least 52 cases across 13 states as of December 1. Authorities caution that the counts reported by each agency may differ due to different data sources.

WanaBana believes that the elevated lead levels in the recalled products are linked to the cinnamon used. The cinnamon, supplied by Negocios Asociados Mayoristas S.A. (Negasmart), a third-party distribution company in Ecuador, is under investigation. The FDA is working with Ecuadorian authorities to determine if the contaminated cinnamon was used in other products or distributed as a raw ingredient to other countries.

Negasmart does not directly import cinnamon into the U.S., according to the FDA. An inspection has been issued at the Austrofoods facility in Ecuador to identify the source of elevated lead levels in cinnamon apple pouches. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.