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elevated lead levels in WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches. 

*CONTACT LDH WITH ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS*

The FDA is advising parents and caregivers not to buy or feed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to children because the product may contain elevated levels of lead.

Childhood lead investigations in Western North Carolina revealed 4 children in 3 separate investigations with elevated lead linked back to WanaBana Fruit Puree Apple Cinnamon pouches. As part of their investigation, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) analyzed multiple lots of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree, detecting extremely high concentrations of lead. The FDA has reviewed and supports NCDHHS’s analytical findings and found that analytical results at this level could result in acute toxicity.

Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. If there’s suspicion that a child may have been exposed to lead, a blood test should be performed. Although lead can only be diagnosed through clinical testing, signs and symptoms of lead toxicity vary based on exposure.

Short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms: Headache; Abdominal pain/Colic; Vomiting; Anemia.

Longer term exposure could result in additional symptoms: Irritability; Lethargy; Fatigue; Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning; Occasional abdominal discomfort; Constipation; Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility; Headache; Tremor; Weight loss.

Louisiana providers who provide routine medical care for young children must screen children for lead in accordance with practices consistent with the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Louisiana Medicaid guidelines and in compliance with Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) 48: V 7005, 7007 and 7009. Medical providers and laboratories are required to report all blood lead levels to the Louisiana Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (LCLPPP) regardless of value. Blood lead levels 3.5 ug/dL or greater should be reported immediately. To report: Fax the completed 

 to the Louisiana Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 225-242-0496. Follow this 

 for lead screening and follow up testing schedule. LCLPPP will provide case management services for those children with positive tests (confirmed venous blood lead level ≥3.5 µg/dL). Case management involves a lead hazard exposure assessment, health education and may include referral for a free environmental assessment of the child’s home.

Parents and caregivers should not buy or feed WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches to toddlers and young children because the product may contain elevated levels of lead. Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have consumed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches should contact their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test.