Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are recommending parents and caregivers be aware of current food and product recalls in Canada and the United States after a local child was discovered to have blood-lead levels higher than national guidelines after eating applesauce affected by an American recall.
In early November, several brands of cinnamon-apple snack pouches were recalled in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to elevated levels of lead. It noted young children are more likely to consume these foods and are more sensitive to lead exposure.
Blood lead test results are reportable to public health. As a result of this process, the province has been made aware of a Manitoba child who consumed these snack pouches. The child has not experienced any negative symptoms related to lead exposure but their caregivers took them to their health-care provider for follow-up when they became aware of the recall. Testing found elevated levels of lead in the child’s blood. The province will not be providing further details about the child.
The recalled products include:
WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches;
Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack; and
Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.
These brands of applesauce are not sold in Canada. By now, they should have been removed from store shelves in the United States. However, some Manitobans may have purchased these products in the United States prior to the FDA recall. If you have these products at home, throw them away. If you have eaten these products, it is recommended you follow up with your primary care provider.
Public health officials encourage parents and caregivers to be aware of current food and product recalls in Canada and the United States. Manitobans who routinely shop for food and other products in the United States are encouraged to review current recalls from the FDA or sign up for automatic notifications at Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA
For information about the recalled applesauce, visit WanaBana Recalls WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches & Cinnamon Apple Sauce Due to Elevated Lead Levels | FDA
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for food recall notices issues in Canada. To view recent recalls and other information, visit Food recalls and alerts – Canada.ca. To subscribe and receive notifications, visit Subscribe – Recalls, advisories and safety alerts – Canada.ca.
For more information about lead and lead exposure, visit Be Lead Aware | Manitoba Health | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca).
