On October 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that an investigation had been opened by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for evidence of elevated blood lead levels . in four children.

According to the investigation, bags of WanaBana Cinnamon Apple Fruit Puree were identified as a possible shared source of exposure.

A statement from that Ministry of Health noted that several batches of the product were analyzed and found to contain extremely high levels of lead.

Lead, cadmium and arsenic, these are the household objects that pollute us

“The FDA has reviewed and supported the analytical findings of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and has determined that analytical results at this level may lead to acute toxicity. “The FDA has shared the results with the company whose representatives are working with the FDA and have agreed to voluntarily recall all bags of WanaBana cinnamon applesauce regardless of expiration date,” the report said.

Considering this situation, the government agency has issued a public health warning to parents and guardians so that they do not purchase or feed this product to minors.

As a result of the investigation, the entity conducted additional monitoring in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners and discovered that two additional brands were also required to recall their products. These are select bags of Schnucks cinnamon flavored applesauce and variety packs and select bags of Weis cinnamon applesauce.

As of November 3, seven adverse events had been reported after the warning was issued.

The company WanaBana, originally from Ecuador, reported the withdrawal of several batches of fruit, cinnamon and apple puree bags from the market. These were distributed in stores and online.

“Consumers who purchased pouches of WanaBana Cinnamon Apple Fruit Puree with the specified lot numbers and expiration dates are urged to immediately discontinue use of the product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund,” a statement said.

Lead is poisonous to humans, but children are more sensitive to its toxicity. The FDA indicated that most children have no obvious immediate symptoms, although symptoms such as:

From Austrofood, they indicated that the product in question is “manufactured and marketed only abroad”, and therefore no copies are available in the country, reports Francisco Peña, president of the company. (JO)