CDC Issues Cinnamon Applesauce Recall Due to Lead Risk with Pouches
Posted On: February 8, 2024
Ebony Hall, Director of Marketing & Communications
Updated March 7, 2024:
The FDA has identified several ground cinnamon products with elevated lead levels. Exposure to high lead concentrations poses significant health risks, prompting an urgent advisory.
Please share the cinnamon applesauce recall with your residents. You can download the poster which is located at the bottom of this post.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns of a link between lead and chromium poisoning in cinnamon applesauce pouches. Because of this, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has asked us to share this recall alert. We hope that you will pass the information along to your residents.
Details of the Cinnamon Applesauce Recall
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has “identified high levels of chromium, in addition to lead, in cinnamon samples and recalled applesauce pouch products.” These “elevated levels” can potentially cause adverse health effects.
The FDA implores everyone not to eat, sell, or serve any brands named in the recall. They include:
Recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches – including three packs
Sold nationally through multiple retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar/Dollar Tree combination stores, and other online outlets
Recalled Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack
Sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets
Recalled Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches
Sold at Weis grocery
Since the products have a long shelf life, the FDA recommends you find the pouches and throw them away. To discard the pouches properly, they suggest you:
Open the pouch carefully
Empty the contents into a trash can before throwing the pouch away. This will prevent others from salvaging the recalled product.
Clean up any spills.
Wash your hanfs.
What is Chromium?
According to the CDC, “chromium is a naturally occurring element with trace levels normally found in the diet” and even in dietary supplements. It is a carcinogen; however, neither the CDC nor the FDA know the “exact form” found in the cinnamon applesauce pouches.
“There is limited information about health effects from consuming food contaminated with chromium compounds such as lead chromate,” the CDC said on its website.
Symptoms of Lead Exposure
As you know, HUD is big on lead prevention. Furthermore, the agency actively participates in Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Researchers found a link between the lowest levels of lead and learning and behavior problems, hearing and speech problems, and slowed growth and development. As a result, HUD is making everyone aware of the recall. As part of that, we are listing the symptoms of acute lead poisoning as identified by the FDA.
Abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea
Anemia
Weakness and fatigue
Severe neurological symptoms (including seizures, encephalopathy, and coma)
Has your child been exposed?
If any parent or guardian suspects their child has been exposed, then they should talk to a doctor about blood testing.
Healthcare providers and most health departments can do these tests.
Many private insurance companies cover the blood tests.
Centers for Medicaid & Medicaid Services covers the cost for children enrolled in Medicaid.
