The State of Hawaii Department of Health has issued an alert concerning the expansion of a previous recall of WanBana applesauce pouch products that took place in October. The recall was due to elevated lead levels found in these products.
Initially announced on Oct. 31, the recall was restricted to all apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches from the WanaBana brand. All products distributed nationwide, whether purchased online or from a physical store, were subject to this recall due to potentially high levels of lead. As of Oct. 31, there were no reported illnesses linked to these products.
In its news release, the Department of Health Food and Drug Branch urged parents and caregivers "to contact a child’s doctor about getting a blood test to determine if they had elevated levels of lead in their blood."
According to a Dec. 13 news release, the recall has now been expanded to include private label brands Schnucks Apple Sauce with cinnamon and Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce pouches. The WanaBana pouches were sold at Dollar Tree stores and Amazon.com in packs of three 2.5-ounce pouches. The Weis pouches were available at Weis Markets, while the 90-gram Schucks pouches were sold at Schnuck Markets in the Midwest. The most recent news release clarifies that none of the recalled products were shipped to Hawaii by Amazon.
Lead contamination in food products is a significant concern as this toxic metal can accumulate in teeth and bones and can travel through the body affecting vital organs such as the brain, liver, kidneys, and bones. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), young children who ingest lead and have it build up in their bodies can suffer permanent adverse health impacts and developmental issues. The WHO further notes that young children absorb more lead than adults do.
Affected lots include all lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree; Lots 05023:19, 09023:22, and 09023:24 of Schucks Apple Sauce with Cinnamon; and Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce Lot 05023:28. Consumers in possession of these lots are urged to dispose of the packages immediately. For more information, individuals can contact WanaBanaLLC via email at support@wanabanafruits.com.