FDA warns parents of ‘dangerously high’ lead levels in puree fruit pouches sold nationwide.
The FDA Warns Parents About Fruit Puree Pouches Containing High Levels of Lead
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert to parents, warning them not to buy a brand of fruit puree pouches for children after the snacks were found to have high levels of lead, while recommending youngsters who did consume the potentially contaminated fruit puree to get their blood tested for toxicity.
The FDA said that lead was found in WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, which are sold across the country at various retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree, and Sam’s Club.
“Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have consumed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches should contact their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood test,” the FDA said in a statement.
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Lead is toxic to humans, and exposure to the substance can lead to developmental delays in children. Symptoms of lead exposure include headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, anemia, muscle aches, irritability, and fatigue, the agency said.
Investigation Reveals WanaBana Puree Pouches as the Source of Lead Hazard
After it emerged that multiple children had elevated levels of lead in their blood in North Carolina, an investigation was triggered.
A child under 6 with two consecutive blood lead test results of 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dl) or higher qualifies for a home investigation by the North Carolina health agency and local health departments to find the lead source.
“It was during several such investigations that the WanaBana brand of apple cinnamon puree pouches was identified as the likely source of lead hazard,” the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) said in a statement.
North Carolina health authorities said that multiple lots of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree were analyzed, and officials found “extremely high concentrations of lead.”
“The FDA has reviewed and supports NCDHHS’ findings and issued a voluntary recall of all WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches regardless of lot code or expiration,” NCDHHS said.
Parents with WanaBana brand apple cinnamon puree products in their homes should dispose of them immediately, and under no circumstances should they eat them or feed them to their children, the agency said.
It also urged parents to discuss blood lead testing with their medical provider if they’re concerned about their child, with the NCDHHS recommending that all children get tested for lead during their well-child visit at age 1 and again at age 2, a time in a child’s development when hand-to-mouth behavior is highest.
Lead Dust in Focus
Exposure of children to lead is in the crosshairs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which on July 11 announced new proposed rules for lead paint in a bid to prevent hundreds of thousands of youngsters from being exposed to the toxic substance.
Officials predict that the rule will reduce lead exposures for 250,000 to 500,000 children younger than the age of 6 each year, the agency said in a statement. The mandate would enhance the EPA’s regulations under section 402 of the Toxic Substances Control Act, which would revise the standards for how much lead dust can be on floors, window sills, and other locations in older buildings.
According to the EPA, the rule would reduce the “dust-lead hazard standards” to 3 micrograms per square foot from 10 micrograms per square foot for floors and to 20 micrograms per square foot from 100 micrograms per square foot for window sills “to any reportable level greater than zero in recognition of the fact that there is no level of lead in dust that has been found to be safe for children.” For window troughs, the lead dust levels would be lowered to 25 micrograms per square foot from 400 micrograms under the rule.
The federal government banned lead-based paints in 1978, but it’s estimated that 31 million pre-1978 homes still have them. And 3.8 million of those homes have a child younger than the age of 6 living there, according to the EPA.
“Lead exposure can pose a significant health and safety threat to children and can cause irreversible and life-long health effects, including behavioral problems, lower IQ, slowed growth and more,” the EPA statement reads. “Young children are particularly at risk of higher exposure to ingesting lead-containing dust.”
A Government Accountability Office report released in 2019 estimated that about 15 million U.S. students were enrolled in school districts that included buildings that still had lead-based paint.
Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
What role do parents and caregivers play in protecting children from lead exposure, and what steps can they take to address potential lead hazards in their homes and surroundings
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and require more stringent testing and mitigation of lead dust hazards in homes, child-occupied facilities, and schools.
The EPA’s proposed rules aim to address lead hazards, particularly lead dust, which is a common source of lead exposure for children. Lead dust can be generated by deteriorating lead-based paint, as well as the renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb painted surfaces in older homes and buildings.
Lead exposure in children can have long-term health effects, including behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and reduced intelligence. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning because their growing bodies absorb lead more easily, and their developing brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to its harmful effects.
The new rules proposed by the EPA would require more comprehensive and frequent lead dust testing in homes and child-occupied facilities. It would also establish more stringent standards for lead dust levels, aiming to ensure that children are not exposed to dangerous levels of lead.
If the proposed rules are finalized, they will have a significant impact on protecting children from lead exposure. Homeowners and landlords will be required to take necessary steps to address lead hazards, such as conducting lead dust testing, implementing lead-safe work practices during renovations, and ensuring proper cleanup of lead dust.
Additionally, child-occupied facilities, such as daycare centers and schools, will have to comply with stricter testing and mitigation requirements, ensuring the safety of children in these environments.
The EPA’s proposed rules align with its commitment to safeguarding public health, especially that of children. By targeting lead dust hazards and implementing more stringent regulations, the EPA aims to prevent lead exposure and its detrimental effects on children’s health and development.
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in protecting children from lead exposure. It is important for them to be aware of potential lead hazards in their homes and surroundings. Regular lead testing in homes, especially those built before 1978 when lead-based paint was banned in residential properties, can help identify and address any lead hazards.
It is also essential for parents to stay informed about product recalls and alerts, such as the recent warning issued by the FDA regarding fruit puree pouches containing high levels of lead. Being proactive in removing potentially contaminated products from their homes can significantly reduce the risk of lead exposure.
Furthermore, parents should consult their child’s healthcare provider about blood lead testing, especially if there are concerns about potential lead exposure. Regular testing during well-child visits can help detect lead exposure early and allow for appropriate interventions to protect the child’s health.
In conclusion, lead exposure continues to be a significant concern for public health, especially for children. The recent FDA warning about fruit puree pouches containing high levels of lead highlights the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety of children’s food products. It also serves as a reminder for parents to be proactive in addressing potential lead hazards in their homes and surroundings. The EPA’s proposed rules on lead dust mitigation further emphasize the need for comprehensive efforts to protect children from lead exposure. By working together and taking appropriate measures, we can create safer environments for our children and prevent the long-lasting effects of lead poisoning.
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