Dollar Tree Left Tainted Applesauce Pouches on Store Shelves Despite Recall

Dollar Tree stores reportedly left lead-tainted WanaBana applesauce pouches linked to illnesses in children on store shelves, long after a recall was issued in November, 2023.

WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches were distributed nationwide through online and retail stores, including Dollar Tree. They came in 3-pack pouches of 2.5 ounces.

November 9, WanaBana voluntarily recalled all lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches due to reports of elevated levels of lead found in certain units of the product.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has sent a warning letter to Dollar Tree officials and placed the distributor of the apple cinnamon pouches under multiple import alerts after it was discovered the pouches remained on some Dollar Tree store shelves for two months after the recall.

"The agency is concerned with Dollar Tree's capability to quickly remove unsafe products from its store shelves as necessary and as required during a public health threat, such as a recall," the FDA wrote in a recent update.

More than 500 children in 44 states, including Georgia and South Carolina, reportedly had illnesses linked to the lead and chromium-tainted applesauce pouches.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cautions that because the pouches have a long shelf life, they may still be in consumers' homes.

The FDA first announced the recall of cinnamon-flavored varieties of the WanaBana pouches after reports of children with symptoms of lead poisoning in 25 states. That number has now surpassed 500 children in 44 states.

The FDA said it found 2.18 parts per million of lead in the recalled pouches, which is more than 200 times the level the agency has proposed in guidance for baby food.

The FDA is asking Dollar Tree to respond within 15 days with specific steps it has taken to address the violations.

Longer term exposure could lead to:

Parents who suspect their child may have consumed the recalled product should talk to their healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test.

For more information, contact Wanabana at www.support@wanabanafruits.com.

When the temperatures start rising in the CSRA, more and more people head to the water to cool off. And when you're spending more time near the water, it's important you know how to practice water safety to reduce the risk of injuries or drowning.

From local pools to the lake and river, there are many spots to cool down and enjoy the water around the area. And the beach isn't too far away either. No matter where you choose to take a dip to cool off, you want to make sure that everyone remains safe.

If you don't have a pool of your own, there are various public pools throughout the CSRA. Some of these pools are accessible by paying a fee each time you visit. There are other pools that will require membership. Here are a few spots to check out:

And many kids will get to enjoy some pool time at summer camps. Check out those camps HERE.

In addition to pools, the Augusta area has many places you can enjoy sitting by the water, boating, kayaking, and more.

There are various beach and recreation areas around Strom Thurmond/Clarks Hill Lake. You can boat, fish, hike, bike, and camp at some of these areas, like Mistletoe State Park in Appling, Elijah Clark State Park in Lincolnton, and West Dam near Clarks Hill, South Carolina.

Another "lake" to enjoy is Richardson's Lake Water Park and Outdoor Recreation Area, located at 919 Richardson's Lake Road in Warrenville, SC. They have sandy beaches, water slides, diving boards, and concessions.

In Augusta, you've also got the Rae's Creek Aqueduct on Augusta Levee Road. It's part of a park and features stone arches and has one of the best waterfalls in the area.

With so many places to enjoy the water, before go, make sure you're prepared!

When it comes to swimming, whether in a pool or in the open water, you should never swim alone. Ideally, having a lifeguard present would be best, but if there isn't one, at least have other people nearby in case of an issue. Swimming with friends is more fun anyway, and it's good to have people looking out for you and you can look out for them. In open water areas, the chances of having a lifeguard present is very low.

You should follow any posted signed wherever you swim, and never leave children unattended.

Regardless of swimming ability, it's recommended you always wear a life jacket when you're on a boat.  Life jackets should also be used with children and anyone who doesn't know how to swim. These life jackets should be U.S. Coast Guard-approved and appropriate for your weight and size and the water activity.

For the most part, you know what to expect with a swimming pool. But it's important that children and those with limited or no swimming abilities know the depth of the pool and the areas where it's more shallow. When it comes to open water, it's important to be aware of the risk for currents in a river or the ocean.

Also keep in mind that in new areas, you may not be aware of the depth.  This is important to know, and may be more difficult with unclear water. Open water also includes being aware of what may be beneath the water's surface, including vegetation and wildlife.

Diving into water that is too shallow could lead to injury or death. It's important to enter the water properly, and only jump or dive in where it's safe to do so.

Learning to swim can be extremely helpful in preventing water-related injury or death. Even basic swim lessons can teach water competency which includes entering the water, getting a breath, and how to stay afloat.

While knowing water safety can prevent some risks, accidents can still happen. If a drowning or pool-related accident occurs, knowing lifesaving techniques, including CPR could mean the difference between life and death. The American Red Cross offers CPR classes, and you can get details and find the next available class HERE.