The products in question are sold in the United States, but are also available on sites like Amazon and import shops.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a U.S. regulatory agency similar to Anvisa, recently issued a warning to parents, advising against the consumption of some fruit puree products due to the high lead content. The announcement includes specific product recalls, highlighting the presence of lead in applesauce and cinnamon pouches from three different brands: WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis.
Second information from the Associated Press, the FDA received 52 reports of elevated lead levels in children consuming these products. This number is significantly higher than the 34 cases reported just a week earlier. The affected children, ages 1 to 4, reside in 22 different U.S. states, as reported by the FDA.
The affected products were sold in physical stores in the United States and are also available for purchase online. The FDA has identified that WanaBana brand applesauce and cinnamon pouches are available at several retailers, including online giants like Amazon and Dollar Tree. The agency warned that despite the recall, the product may still be available in some Dollar Tree stores and urged consumers not to purchase or consume the item.
The FDA’s investigation into the source of the contamination is ongoing, with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the Associated Press, suspicion falls on cinnamon imported from an Ecuadorian producer as a possible source of lead.
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The toxic metal is especially dangerous for children
The organization highlighted the dangers of lead to human health, noting that it is toxic to all ages and health conditions. However, children’s exposure to lead is of particular concern, as they are more susceptible to the metal’s toxicity. Children often show no immediate symptoms, making it critical for parents and guardians to consult a healthcare provider if they suspect lead exposure.
The agency provided information about possible symptoms of lead exposure, including headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, anemia, irritability and fatigue. Additionally, he experienced symptoms of long-term exposure, such as lethargy, muscle pain, difficulty concentrating and tremors.
For consumers who have purchased the affected products, the FDA recommends their immediate discard. However, before disposing of the packaging, the Agency recommends carefully emptying the contents to prevent other people from accessing the recalled product. The attention and promptness of parents and guardians are essential to ensure the safety of children in the face of this FDA warning.
In Brazil
In our country, fruit purees for children are not consumed as much as in the United States, and the brands that sell this product here do not accumulate any kind of complaints of this level. Despite this, there is a warning for parents who are outside the country and also for those who import products from other countries.
It is also worth using the case to rethink how we feed our children. The ideal is for the products to be as natural as possible, avoiding industrialized and ultra-processed foods, such as fruit purees.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
