CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis-brand apple cinnamon pouches due to reports of elevated levels of lead.
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health issued a press release Wednesday to inform residents of the recall.
The products were distributed nationwide through online and retail stores including Dollar Tree and Amazon.
WanaBana Recalls WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches & Cinnamon Apple Sauce due to Elevated Lead Levels https://t.co/hUHEOag0Ts pic.twitter.com/MCFhdRtAbX
— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) November 10, 2023
State Health Officer Dr. Matthew Christiansen said parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who consumed the recalled products are encouraged to talk to a health care provider about getting a blood lead test.
“Lead exposure may cause behavioral, developmental, and health problems; even at low levels in the blood, there is no safe level of lead in a child’s blood. Because children under the age of six are undergoing critical neurological and physical development, they are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of lead on the body,” Christiansen said in a statement. “All West Virginia children should receive a screening test at one year of age and again at two years of age.”
Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure, officials said.
The apple cinnamon pouches have a long shelf life, so West Virginians with young children are being encouraged to check their homes and discard recalled products.
Information on recalled lot codes and UPCs can be found in the company’s recall announcement.
To report a child becoming ill after consuming the recalled products, contact the West Virginia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 304-558-5388 or at 1-800-642-8522.