FDA says applesauce pouches recalled for lead also contained chromium

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday that the previously recalled applesauce pouches, which were found to contain lead, may also have chromium contamination. This could increase the health risks associated with consumption. The applesauce in question was recalled on Nov. 13, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicating that the pouches could contain lead. The FDA has now linked the existence of chromium to cinnamon included in the pouches, which was supplied by Austrofoods, an Ecuadorian distributor. The FDA urges anyone who has consumed the recalled products, particularly those with already elevated blood lead levels, to consult their healthcare provider for constant monitoring and necessary care. Nearly twenty-four toddlers have been affected by lead poisoning due to this contamination, according to a statement from the CDC in November. The recalled applesauce pouches consist of WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, as well as Weis and Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. On Friday, the FDA updated that some of these recalled pouches could still be on the shelves of certain Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores until mid-December.