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.
Dollar Tree Notified of WanaBana Recall in November
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.
Signs And Symptoms Of Exposure to Lead
- Headache
- Abdominal pain/Colic
- Vomiting
- Anemia
Longer term exposure could lead to:
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
- Occasional abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Tremor
- Weight Loss
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 [email protected].