Louisville City Wire

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is closely following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) investigation of elevated blood lead levels in children who had reported exposure to certain brands of apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches.

The recalled applesauce pouches include:
•    WanaBana-brand apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches
•    Schnucks-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches
•    Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

There have been more than 50 reports, in multiple states, of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in people with reported exposure to the recalled products, according to the FDA. As of Nov. 28, the FDA reported three adverse events in Kentucky. Health officials are continuing to alert families, caregivers and physicians of the ongoing situation.    

The FDA is asking consumers and retailers not to eat, sell or serve the recalled products and is urging people to properly discard them by carefully emptying the contents into the trash before throwing away the packaging, to prevent anyone from salvaging the recalled products.

“We are aware these are popular snacks children consume and we want everyone in our community who cares for our youngest population to understand the dangers of lead exposure and the signs and symptoms,” said Dr. Kris Bryant, associate medical director at LMPHW and pediatric infectious disease specialist at Norton Children’s. “There are no safe levels of lead in blood. The way to protect kids is to stop the exposure.”

Lead is toxic to humans of any age but protecting children from exposure is especially important because they are more susceptible to the harms of lead. Lead can damage a child’s brain and nervous system and impact their growth, behavior and ability to learn.

Signs of exposure include, but are not limited to:  
•    Headache
•    Fatigue
•    Vomiting and nausea
•    Abdominal pain/colic
•    Muscle aches, burning, or weakness
•    Weight loss
•    Constipation
•    Irritability and difficulty concentrating
•    Tremor

“It’s important to note that many children show no obvious or immediate signs of lead poisoning,” Dr. Bryant said. “If you are concerned that your child has been exposed to lead, contact your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test.”

To learn more information about the FDA’s ongoing investigation, click here.   

Original source can be found here.