Lead Poisoning Identified in Hundreds of Children Who Ate WanaBana Applesauce Sold by Dollar Tree
Ironically, on Halloween of last year (October 31 of 2023), a day noted for kid’s treats, a company called WanaBaba was compelled to recall Ecuadorian apple sauce pouches (mostly for consumption by kids) after reports its apple cinnamon puree was laced with dangerous levels of lead. WanaBaba (mostly sold at Dollar Tree), was joined by Schnuck’s and Weis brands of similar products, all produced by Austrofoods, a manufacturer and importer of the tainted product.
The Food and Drug Administration, which goes by its initials, “FDA”, began a diligent investigation, identifying at least 90 Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation (CORE) reports of high lead levels. Soon the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, had identified at least 422 cases of elevated lead blood poisoning in children residing in 44 of the 50 states.
During the FDA’s investigation, it identified significant levels of both lead and chromium – two dangerous “heavy metals.” And Ecuadorian officials in Agencia Nacional de Regulación, Control y Vigilancia Sanitaria (ARCSA) reported that Carlos Aguilera of Ecuador was the source of the contamination. Apparently, it provided heavily contaminated cinnamon.
Why is this significant? When talking about food production, often the public focuses on the final product – but the supply chain is equally as important. It is likely, though not yet established, that WanaBana had little or no actual knowledge that the product it was introducing for public consumption was tainted in such a manner. That is not to say WanaBana is without fault, as it had a duty to inspect, test, and screen ingredients and their purveyors of health cinnamon. Likewise, as one prominent food poisoning lawyer, who is representing a large number of the victims, has said: “Dollar Tree is liable for many of the illnesses as it too was in a better position to know about the dangers of this product than the unsuspecting public. In today’s complex food production system, the importers, sellers and distributors have to guarantee the process to make certain the final product is without adulteration or defect.”
Simon added:
“its time to file a claim now, before the statute of limitations expires. I recommend anyone whose child consumed the WanaBana, Weils, or Schnuck’s brand applesauce to have their children tested for lead poisoning immediately!
Is Lead Dangerous?
Absolutely. Elevation in lead can lead directly to decreases cognitive function, reduced IQ, difficulty in problem solving, reduced or stunted brain development or reduced neuroplasticity, As a result, elevations in anger, drug use, and even violent crime have been identified int those who suffer lead poisoning during formative years.
What is Chromium?
While a natural element, with some useful purposes, but not one that (in the form identified in testing) is recommended in consumable products. Its health impacts remain a subject of research and it not well understood.
