Elevated risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Wanabana, Schnucks, Weis Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree/Cinnamon Apple Sauce recall: Elevated levels of lead

Recall published 2+ years ago

Elevated levels of lead

Wanabana, Schnucks, Weis Fresh produce — recalled fresh produceWanabana, Schnucks, Weis Fresh produce — recalled fresh produce (photo 2)Wanabana, Schnucks, Weis Fresh produce — recalled fresh produce (photo 3)
3 photos published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Lead or heavy metal content

Lead is the reason for this notice. The important thing is removing the source and asking about a blood test, in that order.

What the notice says: Although signs and symptoms of lead toxicity vary, short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:

Why it matters: The product exceeds the federal limit on lead or another heavy metal. Lead harms the developing brain, and the damage builds quietly from small repeated exposures rather than arriving as a single dramatic poisoning.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

The CDC states there is no known safe level of lead in a child’s blood, and that most children with elevated levels show no symptoms at all. That is why a blood lead test, not a symptom check, is the way to find out. Ask your paediatrician about testing if a child has handled, mouthed or worn the product regularly. Where symptoms do appear they are non-specific — irritability, poor appetite, stomach pain, tiredness, constipation or a drop in attention and learning.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Published
November 9, 2023
Risk level
Elevated risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Wanabana, Schnucks, Weis
Product type
Fresh produce
Distribution
Nationwide
Sold at
Schnucks
Reports of harm
Four illnesses have been reported to date, leading North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and sample the pouches.

Products covered by this recall

Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree/Cinnamon Apple Sauce

What the company announced

The company has issued an update to their previous announcement.

For Immediate Release – November 9, 2023 - United States - WanaBana USA is voluntarily recalling all lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches due to reports of elevated levels of lead found in certain units of the product.

Pursuant to the FDA, lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. If you suspect that your child might have consumed this product, parents should talk to your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test. Lead poisoning can only be diagnosed through clinical testing. Although signs and symptoms of lead toxicity vary, short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:

Headache

Abdominal pain/Colic

Vomiting

Anemia

Longer term exposure could result in additional symptoms:

Irritability

Lethargy

Fatigue

Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning

Occasional abdominal discomfort

Constipation

Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility

Headache

Tremor

Weight loss

WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches were distributed nationwide through online and retail stores. The affected product information is WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree in 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz.

WanaBana USA has initiated a voluntary recall of all batches and is working closely with the FDA to investigate the source of the contamination. The company is committed to ensuring the safety of its products and the well-being of its consumers. Four illnesses have been reported to date, leading North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and sample the pouches. North Carolina’s analyses came back with elevated concentrations of lead which could result in acute toxicity. WanaBana trade channels include Dollar Tree and Amazon. WanaBana USA is working to investigate the source of the contamination and is collaborating with the FDA in updating consumers with information related to this product recall.

The product is also distributed independently in the US as private label brands under the names of Schnucks Apple Sauce 90g pouches with cinnamon. The affected Schnucks lots subject of the product recall were identified as 05023:19, 09023:22 and 09023:24. To date, there have been no injuries reported related to Schnucks products. Photos of the Schnuck product is attached.

In addition, Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce 90g, reported an affected lot number 05023:28, which is also included in the product recall. To date, there have been no injuries reported related to Weis products. Photos of the Weis brand is attached.

Consumers who have purchased WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis products with the specified batch numbers and expiration dates are urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have been exposed to lead should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Consumers with questions can email the company at [email protected] .

Original Press Release

FDA’s Advisory

CORE Web Posting

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

Check your product

The notice names 3 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Lot or batch code

Usually ink-stamped near the seam, the cap or the bottom of the pack.

  • 05023

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 3 pack
  • 2.5 oz

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Lead

Wanabana, Schnucks, Weis — Lead is the reason for this notice. The important thing is removing the source and asking about a blood test, in that order.

  1. Take the product away from children and stop using it — do not keep it for decoration where a child can reach it.
  2. Ask your paediatrician whether a blood lead test is warranted, especially for a child under six or anyone pregnant.
  3. Do not sand, scrape, burn or break the item up; that turns a contained hazard into dust you can breathe.
  4. Follow the remedy on this page — lead recalls almost always carry a full refund.

How the remedy works

CPSC recalls specify one of three remedies, and which one you get is not negotiable — but how smoothly it goes often is.

  • A refund means the purchase price back, sometimes prorated by age for durable goods. Ask how they calculated it if the figure looks low.
  • A repair kit is shipped free and is designed to be fitted at home; if you cannot fit it, ask whether they will arrange installation.
  • A replacement is usually the current model, not the recalled one. Confirm the replacement is not itself under recall.
  • Several recalls now ask you to destroy the item and send a photo as proof. Register the claim before you do that, never after.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers who have purchased WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis products with the specified batch numbers and expiration dates are urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: Wanabana LLC — Consumers: Wanabana LLC, [email protected] — Media: Karen Garnik, APR, [email protected]

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Wanabana, Schnucks, Weis fresh produce recalled?

Elevated levels of lead Although signs and symptoms of lead toxicity vary, short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: lot code 05023. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Take the product away from children and stop using it — do not keep it for decoration where a child can reach it.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Consumers who have purchased WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis products with the specified batch numbers and expiration dates are urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Where was the recalled product sold?

It was distributed nationwide, including at Schnucks.

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