By Alanna Chen
Cinnamon in WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis applesauce has caused many young children around the country to have a high lead blood level, affecting their daily lives. Lawsuits, and perhaps early settlements, have resulted based on the liability.
Although this crisis was brought to light in early October and the applesauce was recalled, there has been a dramatic increase in lead poisoning cases. In late December, reporting that many had consumed WanaBana applesauce that was supposed to be off the shelves due to this quandary. The delay in removing the recalled goods has led to a longer duration of lead exposure, compounding the health concerns faced by kids who were impacted.
Responsibility for Removing Lead-Contaminated Foods From Store Shelves
On December 13th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that Dollar Tree, Costco, Amazon and other retailers throughout the nation had left the contaminated apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches on their shelves long after the recall went into effect. These pouches should not be available due to the ongoing lead contamination investigation.
Updates on Toddlers and Children Lead Poisoning Fiasco
The FDA has many confirmed complaints from families that their children, as young as months old, have suffered lead poisoning from this applesauce. The CDC National Center for Environmental Health has received about 300 cases in over 35 different states regarding lead poisoning as of late December. They had been actively focused on people who’ve consumed recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis products within the last 3 months. In their cases, the person had over 3.5ug/dl of lead in their system.
Why is Lead Harming Children?
It has been proven that lead poisoning can cause a variety of issues, including cognitive, behavioral, fatigue, and abdominal pain. It is crucial to seek medical help if you or your children have consumed lead.
Children below the age of six are especially at risk for the health consequences of lead exposure because their internal organs are still in critical stages of growth, and lead can have serious consequences for a variety of systems.
Now Chromium Contaminant found WanaBana Applesauce
As investigations continue, health officials have uncovered that the WanaBana apple sauce contained the element chromium, found in the cinnamon used to create the product. Chromium is a nutrient that can be found in many dietary foods, but a particular type can be found in lead. Nausea, vomiting, and kidney and liver dysfunction can be the result of ingesting the WanaBana applesauce filled with chromium.
Bill Marler, a food safety lawyer, has expressed severe concerns for the children who have consumed this product after the unusual discovery of increased amounts of chromium and lead in the applesauce. He is now representing countless families who have been negatively impacted by this circumstance.
In response to the contamination of their product, WanaBana has spoken about starting a reimbursement program for children who have been tested for lead; however, the program hasn’t been fully created or addressed.
Lawsuits Are Being Filed for Children with High Lead Levels
Our firm is filing suits for children with elevated lead levels. We expect the suits to be consolidated before one judge for streamlined litigation. Of course, monitoring the health of your child is very important. Parents we talk to say that pediatricians are suggesting follow-up appointments as well as diet modification, which can help reduce lead levels.
Please contact our fruit pouch lead poisoning lawyers for more information at no obligation.
