Dangerous Lead Contamination in Apple Sauce Pouches Sold at Grocery Stores

Apple Sauce Contamination

The Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm is accepting personal injury product liability lawsuits on behalf of children who have suffered lead poisoning. Most recently, it has been reported that lead-contaminated applesauce pouches were being sold at grocery stores.

A New York Times investigation revealed that cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches sold by WanaBana, Weis and Schnucks brands contained extremely high doses of lead, posing a serious risk to the health of American children. Austrofood is the manufacturer of all three brands. 

At least 400 cases of lead poisonings of infants and toddlers across the U.S. are known so far. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has recalled 3 million contaminated pouches and faced criticism for its oversights in the weeks leading up to the recall.

The Effects of Lead Poisoning 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) “Lead in paint, soil, air, water, food, cosmetics, medicines, toys, and consumer products is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.

Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health, including

• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Slowed growth and development
• Learning and behavior problems
• Hearing and speech problems”

FDA Investigation Finds Lead in Apple Sauce

An investigation by the FDA found that Austrofood failed to test its products for heavy metal contamination. The contamination occurred during the production process in Ecuador, where cinnamon from Sri Lanka was ground into a powder and likely tainted with lead chromate. 

The negligence of companies involved in the supply chain, including Austrofood and its supplier Negasmart, raises questions about their commitment to ensure the safety of the products they bring to market.