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At Least 22 Toddlers in 14 States Ill from Lead in Contaminated Applesauce, Reports CDC

by Andrew Wright
5 comments
Lead Poisoning Toddlers

The CDC is alerting medical professionals nationwide to be vigilant for potential lead poisoning in young children. This follows incidents where 22 toddlers across 14 states fell ill due to lead contamination in certain applesauce and cinnamon apple puree pouches.

The affected children, aged between 1 and 3 years, exhibited elevated blood lead levels, with one case reporting a level eightfold higher than the CDC’s threshold of concern. The CDC sets a benchmark of 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood as a level of heightened concern, whereas these children showed levels varying from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

Symptoms noted in these cases included headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, altered activity levels, and anemia.

This health scare stems from an outbreak linked to recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches, sold both in stores and online. These products, specifically marketed for children, have been advised against by authorities. Parents and caregivers are urged to avoid purchasing or serving these items, and children who have consumed them should undergo lead level testing.

Lead exposure in children can have grave consequences, such as significant developmental and behavioral issues. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, heavy metals like lead can contaminate food through various environmental mediums, including soil, air, water, or through industrial activities.

The CDC’s latest update, dated November 7, lists the affected states as Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.


This report is a part of the health and science coverage by The Big Big News, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The Associated Press holds sole responsibility for the content of this report.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lead Poisoning Toddlers

What is the recent warning from the CDC about?

The CDC has issued a warning regarding 22 toddlers in 14 states who have fallen ill due to lead poisoning linked to contaminated applesauce and cinnamon apple puree pouches.

Which age group is affected by the lead contamination in applesauce pouches?

Children aged 1 to 3 years are the primary victims of the lead contamination found in certain applesauce and cinnamon apple puree pouches.

What are the symptoms of lead poisoning observed in the affected children?

The affected toddlers exhibited symptoms including headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in activity levels, and anemia.

What brands of applesauce pouches have been linked to the lead poisoning cases?

The lead poisoning cases have been linked to WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.

What should parents and caregivers do in light of this lead contamination issue?

Parents and caregivers are advised not to purchase or serve the affected products and to have children who may have consumed them tested for lead levels.

How does lead exposure affect children?

Lead exposure in children can lead to severe learning and behavioral problems, as it is a toxic metal that can significantly impact children’s development.

What states have reported cases of lead poisoning due to contaminated applesauce?

The states with reported cases are Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington as of November 7.

Who is responsible for the content of the health and science report on this issue?

The content of the report on this health issue is solely the responsibility of The Associated Press, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group.

More about Lead Poisoning Toddlers

  • CDC Lead Poisoning Warning
  • Symptoms of Lead Poisoning in Children
  • Safe Food Handling Practices
  • Impact of Lead on Child Development
  • Environmental Sources of Lead Contamination

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5 comments

HealthNutMeg November 14, 2023 - 7:33 am

lead poisoning is no joke, the effects on kids can be long-lasting… these companies should face serious consequences.

Reply
EcoWarrior77 November 14, 2023 - 7:02 pm

this is why we need stricter regulations on food safety, lead contamination is a serious environmental issue too.

Reply
BusyMomOf3 November 14, 2023 - 7:27 pm

OMG, I’ve bought these for my kids! I’m throwing them out right now. Thanks for the heads up.

Reply
Mark_theDad November 14, 2023 - 7:53 pm

I’ve got a 2-year old at home and this news is just horrifying. Gonna get him tested ASAP. Better safe than sorry, right?

Reply
SarahJones91 November 14, 2023 - 8:21 pm

just heard about this, it’s really scary! how can such dangerous products even get to our shelves? parents need to be super careful these days.

Reply

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