A North Carolina pediatrician and health officials discovered lead-contaminated applesauce, prompting a nationwide recall and multiple lawsuits.
Rose Hoban reports for North Carolina Health News.
In short:
- More than 500 children in 44 states were affected by lead poisoning from WanaBana applesauce with cinnamon.
- The contamination traced back to cinnamon tainted with lead chromate, used to increase weight and volume.
- Despite a recall, some stores continued selling the product, leading to FDA intervention and legal actions.
Key quote:
“You continued to offer the recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches on store shelves well after the recall was initiated.”
— FDA
Why this matters:
When children are exposed to lead, it can cause severe neurological damage and developmental issues. The consequences of lead poisoning are irreversible, affecting cognitive abilities, causing attention disorders, and leading to lower IQ levels. These health issues often go undetected until they manifest in significant learning difficulties and behavioral problems.
