Deschutes County: Locally sold applesauce linked to lead toxicity, recall

Published 3:16 pm Monday, November 13, 2023

Deschutes County has announced a consumer warning and recall of packets of applesauce flavored with cinnamon due to the possibility of lead poisoning.

The public is being advised to throw out recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, according to a news release from the county on Monday. The product should not be purchased, sold or consumed.

Multiple children in Oregon have been identified with elevated blood lead levels after consuming this product, the county said. A Lake County child was one of those impacted after consuming the product purchased in Deschutes County.

“If you think your child may have consumed recalled fruit pouches in the past few months, you should talk to your child’s health care provider about getting a blood test,” said Rita Bacho, communicable disease program manager with Deschutes County Public Health.

WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches are distributed through multiple retailers including Amazon, Dollar Tree and other online outlets. Also being recalled are Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating the lead contamination, which first surfaced in North Carolina in children with high levels of lead in their blood. As of Monday, there were 22 reports of illness potentially linked to recalled product submitted to FDA.

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