Federal agencies are working with state and local health departments to identify children and adults with elevated blood lead levels who may have consumed the recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a link between blood lead levels (BLL) that are equal to or greater than 3.5 µg/dL and children consuming certain apple puree and applesauce products containing cinnamon.
In November, the FDA announced recalls of several cinnamon applesauce fruit pouches manufactured in Ecuador and sold under WanaBana, Weis and Schnucks brands. Further tests show the recalled cinnamon pouches also contain chromium, though FDA officials say it is not yet known if the chromium poses a health risk.
The recalled products should be discarded immediately. Anyone who ate the recalled products, especially if they had elevated blood lead levels, may have been exposed to chromium and should inform their health care provider to monitor their health and seek supportive care, if needed. Lead exposure has been associated with health, learning and behavior problems, and there is no known safe level.
As of January 8, the FDA has received 87 confirmed complaints/reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled product. To date, confirmed complainants are between 0 and 53 years of age with a median age of 1 years. As of January 5, CDC has received reports of 86 confirmed cases, 209 probable cases and 26 suspected cases across 38 different states through its reporting structure. CDC and FDA have different data sources, so the counts reported by each agency will not directly correspond.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlined recommendations for clinicians for possible lead and chromium exposure.
Resources
- Update from the CDC on high blood lead levels in children consuming recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches and potential chromium exposure
- CDC testing recommendations for lead
- AAP clinical guidance for managing lead exposure in children
- Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units
- Information for parents from HealthyChildren.org on lead in cinnamon applesauce pouches
- Information from the CDC on health effects of lead exposure
- AAP policy Prevention of Childhood Lead Toxicity
