Texas Applesauce Pouch Lead Poisoning Lawyer

Weis, Schnucks, and WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches were recalled after at least 400 children suffered chromium and lead poisoning.

Need a Texas Applesauce Pouch Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If your child was diagnosed with lead poisoning from applesauce pouches, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

UPDATE: Chromium Found in Applesauce Pouches

The cinnamon ingredient in recalled applesauce pouches also contained “high levels” of chromium, which is another toxic heavy metal, according to the FDA. Tests also found lead levels that were 2,000-times higher than the FDA’s proposed limits.

The applesauce pouches were likely contaminated with lead chromate, which is a toxic heavy metal that contains chromium VI, a metal that is known to cause cancer.

Criminals add lead chromate to add color to certain brightly-colored spices, such as cinnamon or turmeric. Anyone who eats contaminated spices can suffer toxic heavy metal poisoning.

404 People Got Lead & Chromium Poisoning from Applesauce Pouches

On January 26, 2024, health officials reported that 404 people in 43 states suffered lead and chromium poisoning from WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches, including at least 3 children in Texas.

The pouches were recalled in November 2023 but they were still on shelves at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar through mid-December, according to the FDA.

The FDA also found lead levels at 2.18 parts per million (ppm) in a sample of WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches, which, for context, is more than 200 times greater than the action level the FDA has proposed for applesauce and fruit purees.

The illnesses were reported from October 2023 through January 2024 the following states: AL (1), AR (1), AZ (1), CA (1), CT (1), FL (1), GA (2), IA (1), IL (5), IN (1), KY (3), LA (4), MA (3), MD (7), MI (8), MO (3), NC (6), NE (2), NH (1), NJ (1), NM (1), NY (8), OH (3), OK (1), PA (2), SC (2), TN (3), TX (3), VA (2), WA (4), WI (2), WV (3), Unknown (3).

Applesauce Pouches Linked to Lead Poisoning Outbreak

In November 2023, Weis®, Schnucks® and WanaBana® brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches were recalled nationwide after dozens of children were diagnosed with lead poisoning, according to a Safety Warning from the FDA.

What Happened?

Four children were diagnosed with lead poisoning after eating WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches, according to health officials in North Carolina.

As part of their investigation, the health department tested multiple pouches, and issued a warning after “detecting extremely high concentrations of lead.”

Cinnamon Linked to Lead Contamination in Applesauce

Tests on the applesauce pouches found “extremely high” levels of lead. The cinnamon ingredient was found to be the source of the outbreak. The cinnamon raw material was used by Austrofood SAS, the company that manufactured the cinnamon applesauce pouches.

Schnucks Applesauce Pouches Recalled

On November 3, 2023, Schnuck Markets Inc. recalled three types of Schnucks® Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches due to elevated levels of lead in the cinnamon ingredient.

Schnucks and Eatwell Markets are recalling the following products:

• Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch 12 pk., UPC: 4131801152
• Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch 4 pk., UPC: 4131801155
• Schnucks Applesauce Pouch Variety 20 pk., UPC: 4131801157

In a press release, Schnucks said that their supplier, Purcell International, “notified the company of elevated levels of lead found in the cinnamon raw material used by Austrofood SAS, the manufacturer of the applesauce cinnamon pouches.”

WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches Recalled for Lead

In October 2023, WanaBana USA announced a voluntary recall for all lots and expiration dates of WanaBana® Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches after they tested positive for elevated levels of lead.

Four children in North Carolina were diagnosed with lead poisoning after eating WanaBana cinnamon applesauce pouches, according to the recall.

WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches were distributed nationwide in stores, such as Sam’s Club, Dollar Tree, Amazon, and others. The pouches were 2.5-oz. and came in 3-packs.

Weis Recalls Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

In November 2023, Weis Markets announced a recall for Weis Quality Cinnamon Apple Sauce Pouches due to an “investigation of elevated lead levels,” according to the recall. The recall involves 20-count boxes of Weis Quality Cinnamon Apple Sauce Pouches — UPC 41497216123, LOT NUMBER 05023:28, and a BEST IF USED BY date of 7/28/2024.

Lead Poisoning Risks in Children

Lead is an extremely toxic heavy metal that is harmful to all people, but especially for children because they are growing so quickly. Even small amounts of lead can cause health problems in children, although many children with lead poisoning do not show obvious symptoms.

What is the Risk?

Children who are exposed to lead may suffer from permanent brain damage, behavior problems, lower IQ and learning disabilities, slowed growth and development, speech and hearing problems, and other severe lifelong health problems.

Signs & Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

Short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain/Colic
• Vomiting
• Anemia

Longer term exposure could result in additional symptoms:

• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
• Occasional abdominal discomfort
• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility
• Headache
• Tremor
• Weight loss

Need an Applesauce Pouch Lead Poisoning Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.