Recalled applesauce sold in NY causes elevated blood lead levels. Did you buy any?
New Yorkers should check their pantries — some applesauce pouches sold in New York have been recalled due to lead contamination.
As of Nov. 14, four cases of elevated blood lead levels in connection with the recall have been reported in the state, according to the New York State Department of Health.
“Ensuring the health and safety of New Yorkers, especially our youngest and most vulnerable, is always a top priority to the Department," says New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets commissioner Richard A. Ball.
"We are urging New York families to not buy, eat, or serve these apple purée and applesauce pouches that may contain harmful levels of lead. Working with our partners, we are following this investigation closely and will keep consumers informed."
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says at least 22 children between the ages of 1 and 3 had high blood lead levels across 14 states after consuming the recalled pouches.
The agency said it considers kids whose blood results come back with more than 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter to have elevated levels. The children impacted had between 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.
Which products have been recalled
Three brands, WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis, have recalled applesauce pouches, according to the FDA. The specific products affected are as follows:
WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree, 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz.
Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch, 12 pack; UPC: 4131801152
Schnucks Cinnamon Applesauce Pouch, 4 pack; UPC: 4131801155
Schnucks Applesauce Pouch Variety, 20 pack; UPC: 4131801157
Weis Quality Cinnamon Apple Sauce Pouches, 20 count; UPC: 41497216123, lot number 05023:28, expiration date 7/28/2024
Weis products are sold at Weis grocery stores, which can be found throughout the Southern Tier.
WanaBana products are sold nationally through Amazon, Dollar Tree and other online outlets and Schnucks products are sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores, which are located mainly in Illinois.
Applesauce pouch recall: 22 toddlers made sick by consuming high levels of lead in recalled fruit pouches, CDC says
What symptoms you should look out for
Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of all ages and health statuses. Exposure to lead is often difficult to identify, according to the FDA, and most children have no obvious immediate symptoms.
Exposure to lead can only be diagnosed through clinical testing, and signs and symptoms of lead toxicity varies, based on exposure.
Short term symptoms of lead exposure include:
Headache
Abdominal pain/colic
Vomiting
Anemia
Additional symptoms that may arise as the result of longer term lead exposure include:
Irritability
Lethargy
Fatigue
Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
Constipation
Difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness
Tremor
Weight loss
Check your shelves: Recall of lead contaminated applesauce pouches expands to two more brands
Lead exposure can seriously harm a child's health and lead to long-term health effects, which may result in negative effects on learning and focus, the CDC says, including:
Damage to the brain and nervous system
Slowed growth and development
Learning and behavior problems
Hearing and speech problems
What to do if you find recalled products or have been exposed to lead
The FDA says consumers should not eat, sell or serve the recalled pouches and should throw them away.
Those who have purchased WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis products with the specified batch numbers and expiration dates can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
If any symptoms of lead toxicity after eating the recalled pouches arise, contact your healthcare provider. And if there is a suspicion your child has been exposed to lead, talk to your child's healthcare provider about getting a blood test.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Applesauce pouch recall: Some brand sold in NY. Did you buy any?