Alabama Department of Public Health
Alabama Emergency Response Technology (ALERT)
Health Alert Network (HAN)
November 15, 2023
High Blood Lead Levels in Children Consuming Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

On November 13, 2023, the CDC released a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify health care providers that exposure to one of several recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce/apple puree products may result in elevated blood lead levels, particularly in children. Although the link between the elevated lead levels and the recalled products has not been confirmed, health care providers should be aware of the symptoms of lead poisoning and, in addition to testing those with symptoms, consider testing for lead exposure in children who have consumed the cinnamon applesauce pouches. Cases have been reported in multiple states, including Alabama.

Symptoms of elevated blood lead levels may include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a change in activity level, and anemia.  However, some children may have no symptoms and a high level of suspicion is warranted.  Although there is no safe blood lead level, the results of testing can help to determine the intensity of any treatments.  Identified cases should be reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH): https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp/index.html.

The affected products include WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. ADPH’s Bureau of Environmental Services is working through the county environmentalists to check retail outlets identified by FDA to verify that these products have been removed from sale.

The full CDC HAN can be viewed here:
https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00500.asp

The full FDA news release:
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023