There is no "safe" level of iron in the bloodstream.
Concern about elevated blood lead levels in children has led to an alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding three brands of applesauce that have been recalled.
This connection has been reflected in nearly two dozen reports of children with elevated blood lead levels across the country.
In a recently issued advisory, CDC highlighted concerns from several states about potential cases of elevated blood lead levels in children who consumed recalled cinnamon applesauce products. FDA has received reports of these cases, triggering the CDC alert.
The agency urges medical professionals to be on the lookout for
for possible cases of lead poisoning linked to these products and to report cases to local health authorities. This warning is issued after it was discovered that three brands of pouch applesauce, namely WanaBana, Schwabana WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis, were found to contain extremely high levels of lead.
Affected products and recommended actions
The affected products were sold under the following brand names:
- WanaBana: cinnamon applesauce pouches.
- Schnucks: pouches of applesauce with cinnamon.
- Weis: pouches of applesauce with cinnamon.
These products were distributed nationally in the United States, both in physical stores and through online stores. Consumers are encouraged to
visit the FDA website for more information on how to identify affected products.
on how to identify affected products. If you have purchased any of these products
products, you are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
refund.
Number of affected children and symptoms
As of Nov. 7, 22 cases of elevated blood lead levels have been detected in children in several states including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.
Affected children, ages 1 to 3 years, have lead levels ranging from 4 to 29 micrograms ranging from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter, exceeding the benchmark of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter used by the CDC. Symptoms include nausea include nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, anemia and changes in activity level.
Effects of lead poisoning
The CDC warns that "there is no safe level of lead in children's blood".
of children. Even low levels of lead in the blood have been shown to negatively affect intelligence, attention span and academic performance.
and academic performance. The effects can be permanent and include:
- Delayed growth/development.
- Nervous system and brain damage.
- Learning, behavioral, hearing and speech problems.
Children under age 6 are more vulnerable due to the rapid development of their bodies, according to the CDC. Because lead exposure can be difficult to
difficult to recognize, parents who suspect their children have been exposed to lead are encouraged to talk to their child's health care provider for testing.