The Dollar Tree is being investigated for allegedly leaving applesauce pouches that contained a heavy amount of lead on the shelf for nearly two months after they were recalled, federal officials shared.
The recall for the WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches was issued months ago. However, public health officials across several states continued to report seeing them on shelves inside Dollar Tree stores, the FDA shared on Tuesday.
In a letter to the company’s CEO, Rick Dreiling, the FDA said that the discount chain continued to sell the applesauce pouches after they were recalled on Oct. 29, 2023, “despite FDA’s numerous attempts to bring this serious issue to your attention.”
Until Dec. 19, 2023, the FDA says the recall was ineffective at the retail level due to Dollar Tree’s failure to pull the product from its shelves.
However, Dollar Tree doesn’t appear to agree with the FDA’s recounting of events, disputing them in an emailed statement to CBS News.
“In October 2023, Dollar Tree took immediate action and began executing a recall of WanaBana’s Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouch upon being notified of the issue with the product. We continue to cooperate with FDA on this matter,” the company said in the statement.
The CDC has received reports of 519 elevated blood lead level cases as of March 22, 2024. The cases have popped up in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Dollar Tree has made headlines as of late as the company is also looking to shake things up as Family Dollar is back on the market less than a decade after Dollar Tree acquired the chain.
In a statement announcing the shopping of the Family Dollar brand, Dreiling said that the “unique needs” of the two brands have sent them in different directions, leading them to explore a split.
Family Dollar currently operates around 8,000 stores in the United States, offering low-priced items to shoppers, typically ranging from $1 to $10.
However, it’s also been in the headlines, as this year, the Justice Department hit Family Dollar with a $41.6 million fine for violating product safety standards after it sold items stocked at a rat-infested warehouse.