Wanabana, a food company that prides itself on providing the “ideal snack for the whole family”, has recently been under fire after lead was found in their products. This is especially disheartening, as their products are marketed towards children, who are more susceptible to extreme symptoms when exposed to lead. The Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA) has issued a national recall of their products. In response, the company has voluntarily recalled the relevant products, but nothing further.
Lead Poisoning and Vulnerable Populations
There are many different ways that lead can enter the body, including ingestion, inhalation, or direct contact with lead-containing substances. When a small quantity enters the body, it can cause a variety of issues, especially for young children and developing fetuses.
Documented cases, according to NYC.gov, have resulted in:
- Learning and behavior problems
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Slowed growth and development
- Hearing and speech problems
Per the CDC, long-term exposure for pregnant women can:
- Increase the risk of miscarriage
- Cause the baby to be born too early or too small
- Hurt the baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system
- Cause the child to have learning or behavior problems
Symptoms are often mild, and diagnoses require a blood test.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms in children may include:
- Developmental delay
- Learning difficulties
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sluggishness and fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Eating things, such as paint chips, that aren’t food (pica)
Lead Poisoning Symptoms in Newborns
Babies exposed to lead before birth might:
- Be born prematurely
- Have lower birth weight
- Have slowed growth
FDA Recall and Legal Governance
Specifically, the FDA has recalled the WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches, after investigating four cases of children’s lead poisoning. Results indicated that the levels were high enough to cause acute lead poisoning in children. This recall aligns with the FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate exposure between children and common hazardous contaminants, like lead.
Next steps include removing these products from distribution & monitoring any reported cases of lead exposure. So far, Wanabana has voluntarily recalled the relevant products and removed them from their website. Those who have bought the product can return them to the place of purchase for a “full refund”.
Take Action on Suspected Cases of Exposure
If you or a loved one suspects that your child has been exposed to lead, don’t hesitate to reach out to our product liability attorneys who are aggressively investigating lead poisoning from Wanabana products. David B. Rheingold, one of our lead attorneys in this litigation, can help you navigate the litigation process.
