Applesauce Pouches That Poisoned Hundreds of Children Were Never Tested for Lead

(Photo : Canva) Child eats applesauce from a pouch.

Hundreds of children across the US were poisoned by alarming levels of lead found in applesauce pouches from WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis. A shocking FDA investigation revealed these pouches, now thankfully recalled, were never tested for lead at the manufacturing plant in Ecuador. This raises serious questions about safety protocols and puts a spotlight on the potential dangers lurking in seemingly ordinary pantry staples.

Why is There Lead In Applesauce?

The applesauce tested by the FDA was found to have lead-levels as much as 2000 times the acceptable amount. Upon further inspection, the FDA found that the factory in which the applesauce was produced had poor hygiene practices and didn't properly follow food safety steps. They did not test for lead in the raw ingredients or the finished product. Even more troubling is that the factory had chipped equipment, specifically a conveyor belt, that could have broken off and ended up in the applesauce during processing.

(Photo : Ron Simon & Associates) (Photo : Ron Simon & Associates) National recalls have been issued for WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs. Testing by the FDA has confirmed that the cinnamon used in these products was the source of the contamination, and that lead-levels have been found to be as much as 2000 times the “acceptable (Photo : Ron Simon & Associates) National recalls have been issued for WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs. Testing by the FDA has confirmed that the cinnamon used in these products was the source of the contamination, and that lead-levels have been found to be as much as 2000 times the “acceptable" level.

What Brands Of Applesauce Were Recalled?

The affected brands are off store shelves, but it's important to be aware if you bought any. If you think your child might have eaten one of these pouches, get them tested for lead immediately.

WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches
Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches
Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

How To Know If Your Child Has Lead Poisoning

Symptoms of short-term lead exposure can include headaches, abdominal pain, colic, and vomiting. Long-term exposure to lead might lead to fatigue, irritability, body aches, constipation, difficulty concentrating, weight loss, and tremors.

This whole situation is a major reminder to be cautious about processed foods and to check recalls regularly. If you're looking for a healthy snack, ditch the pouches and opt for some homemade applesauce. Your kids will thank you for it!