(WWJ) Michigan residents are being urged to check their pantries for some recalled fruit puree pouches that should be thrown away.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) want to make sure the public knowns about a specific brand of cinnamon applesauce sold locally that may contain high levels of lead.
This advisory applies to WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, which are sold in Michigan Dollar Tree stores. Health officials say WanaBana has initiated a voluntary recall of all batches of this product, which is also sold nationally as well as online.
Consumers are urged to stop using the affected products immediately. They should be discarded, or returned to the store for a refund.
The recall was issued after, according to MDHHS, there were multiple cases across Michigan and other states of elevated blood lead levels in children due to eating one of these products.
"There is no safe level of lead for any person, particularly for babies and children," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "A blood lead test is the only way to know if a person has been exposed to lead. Anyone who has eaten applesauce products listed above should make an appointment with their health care provider for a blood lead test."
There are two additional brands are included in the recall, sold outside of Michigan: Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches, a local supermarket brand available in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. The affected lots were identified as 05023:19, 09023:22 and 09023:24. Also, Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches, a local supermarket brand available in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, West Virginia and Delaware. The affected lot was identified as 05023:28.
Parents of children who have eaten the recalled products or have other suspected sources of lead exposure should contact the child's health care provider about blood lead testing. Note that an elevated blood lead test result is one that measures greater than or equal to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL).
To learn more about blood lead testing, visit the MI Lead Safe webpage.
For updates about the recall, visit bit.ly/FDA-Applesauce-Recall.
