DHSS reports five childhood lead poisoning cases linked to recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) five lead poisoning cases in children linked to an ongoing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation that began on Nov. 2, 2023.

The nationwide effort to remove products from retail shelves is continuing. DHSS and local public health agencies are working to ensure these products are not available for sale in Missouri. Because these products have a long shelf life, parents and caregivers should ensure these products found in homes and facilities are discarded immediately. 

Lead is toxic to humans. Children under 6 and pregnant women are the highest risk groups for severe lead poisoning illness. Most children do not show obvious immediate symptoms. However, short-term exposure of high concentrations of lead could lead to symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia. Long-term exposure of high levels could result in irritability, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, brain fog, tremors, weight loss, behavioral issues and lowered IQ.

Immediate action items:

• Look for and dispose of products in your home.

• The recalled products have a long shelf life.

• Discard by emptying the pouch into the trash can to prevent others from consuming it.

• If you or your children have ever consumed these products, call your physician or local public health agency to discuss having blood lead levels tested.

Recalled cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products:

Information on lot codes and UPCs can be found in the firm's recall announcement.

• Recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches – including 3-packs.

• WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches were sold nationally and are available through multiple retailers including Amazon, Dollar Tree and other online outlets.

• Recalled Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack.

• Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack were sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores.

• Recalled Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.

• Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches were sold at Weis grocery stores.

For more information about lead poisoning, visit health.mo.gov/lead.

Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Two Varieties of Earth Grown Frozen Falafel Due to Possible Health Risk

When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Company Announcement

Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC of 180 Lehigh Avenue, Lakewood, NJ, is voluntarily recalling its Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel Distributed & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL due to the possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli is an organism that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. The illness primarily impacts elderly individuals, children, and people with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

The voluntarily recalled Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel And Garlic & Herb Falafel Distributed & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL were distributed in ALDI retail stores in the following states:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut,  Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The product comes in a bag in a box marked with any of the following Lot numbers: 1472, 1481, 1531, 1532, 1541, 1552, 1561, 1581, 1601, 1611, 1612, 1661, 1682, 1732, 1752, 1762, 1782, 1802, and 1812, and would have been shipped to stores after June 24, 2021.  The lot number can be found in the “Best if used by” area on the outside flap of the box.  There has been no further production of this product.

There have been 20 reported cases in six (6) states (FL, IA, KS, MI, OH and WI) with onset dates reported between July 24, 2022 and September 19, 2022 with 5 hospitalization and no deaths.

Consumers who have purchased Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel Distributed & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL with any of the above lot numbers after June 24, 2021, are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time at 1-201-439-1036, Ext. 26.

Outbreak Advisory

Hy-Vee Recalls 12 OZ. Hy-Vee Garden Salad Product After Supplier Notes of Potential Cyclospora Contamination

Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is recalling its 12 oz. Hy-Vee Bagged Garden Salad product across its eight-state region due to the potential that it may be contaminated with Cyclospora. The potential for contamination was brought to Hy-Vee’s attention when Fresh Express – which manufactures the product – announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) have been investigating an outbreak of Cyclospora in the upper Midwest section of the United States.

In their investigation, they have identified certain products linked to the outbreak – including Fresh Express’ private label products at retailers across the country that were impacted – including one for Hy-Vee. The recall is limited to 12 oz. Hy-Vee Bagged Garden Salad, all UPCs and expirations dates. The product was distributed to Hy-Vee grocery stores across its eight-state region of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. No other Hy-Vee food items are impacted by this recall.

Hy-Vee has not received any reports of illness due to consumption of its Hy-Vee Bagged Garden Salad. Customers who purchased this product should discard it or return it to their local Hy-Vee store for a full refund.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis begin an average of seven days after ingestion of Cyclospora. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include: watery diarrhea (most common), loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and low-grade fever. If not treated, symptoms can persist for several weeks to a month or more. People who are in poor health or who have weakened immune systems may be at higher risk for severe or prolonged illness.

Consumers with questions may contact Hy-Vee Customer Care representatives 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-772-4098.

For more information, see the FDA’s announcement here