Recalled applesauce linked to 24 Georgia cases, lead levels 2,000 times higher than proposed

According to the latest figures from the Georgia Department of Public Health, the number of children sickened by high levels of lead in tainted applesauce pouches has risen to 24 in Georgia. The latest tally includes 14 confirmed cases. 

The recalled pouches, sold under three brands – WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis – have been linked to 404 confirmed or suspected illnesses in 43 states, primarily affecting children, according to the latest information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The cases of lead poisoning began appearing in late October, and the products were recalled on November 9. Some of the recalled products were found on the shelves of Dollar Stores in the U.S. as recently as December 19, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

State health investigators are revisiting cases back to November 2022 to determine if applesauce may be the cause of lead poisoning.

Despite the recall, there are ongoing concerns about the products still being available to consumers. Lead poisoning can have serious health effects, especially in children, and there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

U.S. food inspectors found “extremely high” levels of lead in cinnamon at a plant in Ecuador that made the applesauce pouches, according to the FDA. Cinnamon tested from the plant had lead levels more than 2,000 times higher than the maximum level proposed by the FDA, officials said. 

If you’re unsure whether you or a family member has consumed the affected product, you can check the FDA’s website for a comprehensive list of the affected products. If there are any suspicions of exposure to lead, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test.

Healthcare providers and most local health departments have the capability to conduct lead testing in the blood. Many private insurance policies cover the cost of lead testing, and for children enrolled in Medicaid, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services cover the cost of blood lead testing.