Schnuck’s Markets recalled its cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches because they may contain high lead levels. This follows last week’s recall by WanaBana USA of its Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches due to possible lead contamination. Weis Markets in Pennsylvania also recalled a similar product.
Only 15% of St. Louis adults heard about the WanaBana recall last week. Women were more likely than men to have heard the news (19% vs 6%), and White community members were more likely than African American community members to hear it (21% vs 10%).
On October 28, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert advising parents and caregivers to stop feeding their children the WanaBana product because it may contain high levels of lead.
Lead contamination is dangerous for children. Short-term symptoms include headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia. Long-term exposure can damage a child’s brain and slow their learning and development. Any St. Louis organization that reaches families and children can help spread the word to avoid these products by sharing the social media assets below.
The recall highlights how the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partner with local officials to protect Americans by assuring food safety. The FDA linked 7 illnesses in 5 states – including Missouri – to the contaminated fruit pouches. One report suggests that elevated lead levels were found in “cinnamon raw material.” The FDA and CDC investigation is ongoing.
Customers who bought the recalled apple cinnamon fruit pouches from Schnucks, WanaBana or Weis Markets can return them for a full refund. St. Louisans might also have purchased these products from Amazon, Dollar Tree or Eatwell Markets.
This week’s report is based on 159 responses from a panel of adult residents of St. Louis City and County surveyed from Saturday, November 4, to Monday, November 6, 2023. Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
Download the infographic below to share about this topic on social media.
Suggested caption:
Parents and caregivers: don’t give your kids apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches! The FDA says they might have too much lead.
#iHeardSTL #SafetyFirst #RecallAlert