In response to reports of increased illnesses and product recalls, federal health regulators are extending their probe into possibly lead-tainted packets of apple cinnamon fruit puree sold for children.
The Food and Drug Administration in the United States announced on Friday that it had received reports of seven illnesses in at least five states that may have been caused by tainted puree.
Recent Product Recalls
Due to possible elevated lead levels, two new businesses, Schnucks Markets in St. Louis and Weis Markets in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, announced recalls of certain cinnamon applesauce items.
Apple cinnamon fruit puree manufacturer WanaBana, located in Coral Gables, Florida, was previously recalled for all lots and expiration dates.
FDA authorities warned that eating the tainted items might cause "acute toxicity." The cinnamon applesauce products, which are available at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets food shops as well as on Amazon and Dollar Tree, are not appropriate for parents and caregivers to purchase or serve.
According to the government, testing should be done for potential lead poisoning in children and other individuals who have eaten the items.
The probe started in North Carolina, where four children's abnormal blood levels connected to the WanaBana product are being investigated by health officials.
After examining several batches of the product, state health inspectors found "extremely high" lead amounts. The FDA verified the findings.
The study is being led by the FDA's Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network in collaboration with the U.S. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as municipal and state health authorities.
Read also: Tyson Recalls Dinosaur-Shaped Nuggets Over Metal Contamination
The Dangers of Lead
All ages are susceptible to the toxicity of lead, but children are more vulnerable. Since most kids don't exhibit overt symptoms, it's critical that children who are exposed have their blood lead levels checked. According to the FDA, symptoms of short-term lead exposure might include headache, nausea, vomiting, and anemia.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that industrial processes, soil, air, or water can all introduce heavy metals like lead into food items. Children's health can be gravely harmed by lead exposure, which can slow down growth and development and impair the brain and neurological system. According to the AAP, there is no established safe threshold for lead exposure.
Lead may be found throughout a child's environment, especially in houses built before lead-based paints were prohibited in 1978, according to the CDC. The metal can also be in various toys and jewelry.
How a child's body manages exposure to lead differs depends on their age, amount of exposure and other variables, the CDC says. A blood lead test is the best approach to measure a child's exposure to lead, the organization notes.
Related article: ATTN: WanaBana Fruit Purees Allegedly Contain Lead; FDA Now Urging Parents to Have Kids Tested
