2023-2024 Multistate Outbreak of Lead Poisoning in Children Associated with Fruit Puree Pouches
In November 2023, multiple states reported cases of high blood lead levels in children who consumed cinnamon containing applesauce products that had high blood lead levels 3.5 ug/dL or higher measured within 3 months after consuming WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis brand fruit puree product after November 2022.
A total of 566 reports of adverse events reported from 44 states plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico. Overall, 130 (23%) confirmed, 401 (71%) probable, and 35 (6%) suspected cases were reported.
Cases ranged in ages 1 to 5 years with blood lead levels ranging from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter. Cases experienced signs and symptoms including headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, change in activity level and anemia.
FDA product testing also identified high levels of chromium, in addition to lead, in cinnamon samples and recalled applesauce pouch products.
According to the statement, the cinnamon used to manufacture the recalled products was supplied by Negocios Asociados Mayoristas S.A., operating as Negasmart, a third-party distribution company located in Ecuador.
Tags:
lead poisoning, fruit pouches, WanaBana, schnucks, Weis, apple cinnamon, cinnamonOverview
| Outbreak began: | October 2023 |
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| Affected country: | US |
| States/territories: | AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI |
| Pathogen: | Lead poisoning |
| Vehicle(s): | Fruit pouches |
| Location(s): | Retail |
| Brand name(s): | WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouch, Weis brand Cinnamon Applesauce Fruit Pouch, Schnuck's brand apple cinnamon pouches, Austrofood, Negocios Asociados Mayoristas S.A. |
| Molecular test results: | Not reported |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 566 |
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Sources & documents
| Recall notices | ||
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| Report / reference links | ||
| Outbreak documents | ||