Consumer Alert: High Levels of Lead Found in WanaBana Fruit Puree

Consumers are advised to not buy or feed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches because the product may have high levels of lead. If you have this product, throw it away immediately.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released an advisory warning consumers of this food product.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) identified WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches as a potential shared source of exposure following several cases of elevated blood lead levels in children in western North Carolina.

NCDHHS, local health departments, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, and the FDA conducted a joint investigation which led to the discovery of high concentrations of lead in multiple lots of the product.

The FDA conducted a voluntary recall of all WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree, regardless of lot code and expiration.

WanaBana apple cinnamon puree pouches are sold nationally and available at stores including Sam’s Club, Amazon, and Dollar Tree.

Lead exposure can cause behavioral, developmental and health problems even at low levels in the blood. Because children under age 6 are undergoing critical neurological and physical development, they are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of lead on the body. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children with elevated lead levels are asymptomatic. As the lead levels rise, children may complain of non-specific symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or constipation.

NCDHHS recommends the following for consumers concerned about this report:

• If you have WanaBana brand apple cinnamon puree products in your home, do not eat them or feed them to your children. Dispose of the products immediately.
• Discuss blood lead testing with your medical provider if you are concerned about your child. NCDHHS recommends all children be tested for lead during their well-child visit at age 1 and again at age 2, when hand-to-mouth behavior is highest. 
• Choose foods or spices with detailed product labels that allow the products to be traced in the event of a recall or other evidence of contamination.
• Sign up for FDA recall alerts and Consumer Product Safety Commission recall alerts for heavy metals.

To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), you can:

• Call the North Carolina Consumer Complaint Coordinator at 404-253-1169 if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
• Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
• Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.
• Visit www.fda.gov/fcic for additional consumer and industry assistance.

For more information and resources on child lead poisoning, please visit this website.