Nearly 2 Dozen Toddlers Sickened By Lead Linked To Applesauce Pouches
OAN’s Abril Elfi
11:47 AM – Tuesday, November 14, 2023
At least 22 kids have fallen ill due to lead that was found inside of tainted applesauce pouches.
United States Health officials have issued a warning to doctors to be vigilant for cases of lead poisoning in children, following the illness of at least 22 toddlers in 14 states. The children were sickened by lead found in contaminated pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce. Brands affected include WanaBana and Schnucks and Weis.
“Lead toxicity disrupts the functions of the digestive system, nervous system, respiratory system, reproductive system, etc. In addition, lead prevents enzymes from performing their normal activities. Lead even disrupts the normal DNA transcription process and causes disability in bones,” according to nih.gov.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the affected children were between the ages of one to three-years-old, with one child having a blood level eight times higher than the threshold of concern for doctors.
The states where toddlers were affected by lead poisoning include Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
While there is no safe level of lead exposure, the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher than average levels. The blood lead levels of the affected children ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.
Common symptoms experienced by the victims include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in activity level, and anemia. However, it is important to note that some affected children may not exhibit any symptoms at all.
The illnesses are part of an outbreak linked to recalled fruit puree pouches under the Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce and WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree brands.
Parents and caregivers are urged to have their children’s lead levels checked if they may have consumed the affected products, and to refrain from purchasing or offering them.
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What are the potential long-term effects of lead poisoning on a child’s development and overall health?
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The contaminated pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce were sold both in stores and online, raising concerns about the extent of the exposure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating the source of the lead contamination and working to remove the affected products from the market.
Lead poisoning can have serious, long-term effects on a child’s development and overall health. According to the CDC, even low levels of lead exposure can lead to behavior and learning problems, lower IQ, hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems, and anemia. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead as their brains and nervous systems are still developing.
To protect children from lead poisoning, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to be aware of potential sources of lead, such as contaminated food products, lead-based paint, and contaminated soil or water. Regularly testing children’s blood lead levels can help identify exposure and prevent long-term health issues.
The current outbreak of lead poisoning underscores the importance of strict quality control and monitoring in the food industry. Food manufacturers must adhere to strict safety regulations and conduct regular testing to ensure their products are free from harmful contaminants. Regulatory agencies like the FDA play a vital role in enforcing these standards and protecting public health.
If you suspect that your child may have been exposed to lead, it is important to seek medical attention and have their blood lead levels tested. Early detection and intervention can minimize the impact of lead poisoning on a child’s health and development.
In conclusion, the recent outbreak of lead poisoning in children due to contaminated applesauce pouches highlights the need for continued vigilance and oversight in the food industry. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals must remain alert to potential sources of lead and take appropriate measures to protect children from exposure. The efforts of regulatory agencies in investigating the outbreak and removing the affected products from the market are commendable. By working together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our children.
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