At least five Mississippi families have been impacted by recalled applesauce pouches.
The Mississippi State Department of Health reports that children of the families affected have experienced elevated blood lead levels after consuming pouches of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce, or Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce.
Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, protecting children from exposure to the chemical element is particularly important because they are more susceptible to lead toxicity.
Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. However, short-term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain/colic
- Vomiting
- Anemia
RECALL UPDATE: MSDH has identified 5 Mississippi families with children having elevated blood lead levels after consuming these apple-cinnamon pouches. If your child may have consumed these, contact the child’s doctor or call MSDH at 601-576-7620. See https://t.co/xmX5GukPKO pic.twitter.com/wUJk7FQCH6
— MS Dept of Health (@msdh) November 22, 2023
Longer-term exposure could result in:
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness
- Tremors
- Weight loss
MSDH is urging parents to prevent their children from consuming the products and to throw them away immediately. Any child that has been exposed to the applesauce should be tested for possible lead poisoning, experts suggest.
Any Mississippi family whose children have consumed any of the recalled products is urged to contact a medical specialist or call MSDH at (601) 576-7620.
