Health officials warn parents against toddler fruit purée pouches
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health on Monday warned parents against feeding their children WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches.
The health advisory was due to elevated lead levels.
The product is sold nationally through stores like Sam’s Club, Amazon, and Dollar Tree.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration was alerted of the concern by health officials in North Carolina. The initial investigation involved four children with elevated blood lead levels, a sign of acute lead toxicity.
Health officials analyzed multiple lots of the product and found extremely high concentrations of lead. The FDA reviewed the analytics and supported the findings.
Lead is toxic to humans of any age.
Most children don’t show obvious immediate symptoms.
Parents who are concerned their child may have been exposed to lead should ask their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test.
Short-term exposure to lead can cause headache, abdominal pain and colic, vomiting, and anemia.
Longer-term exposure may result in the following symptoms:
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
- Occasional abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating/muscular exhaustibility
- Headache
- Tremor
- Weight loss
Lead exposure can only be diagnosed through clinical testing. Signs and symptoms vary based on exposure.
