The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning on Friday, stating that applesauce pouches previously recalled for lead contamination may also contain chromium, further increasing the risk of illness after consumption.
The applesauce was first recalled on November 13, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that certain pouches might contain lead.
On Friday, the FDA revealed that the chromium contamination originated from the cinnamon used in the pouches, which was supplied by the Ecuadorian distributor Austrofoods.
The agency advised, “Individuals who consumed the recalled products, particularly those with increased blood lead levels, may have also been exposed to chromium.
They should inform their healthcare provider so their health can be monitored and supportive care can be provided if necessary.”
In November, the CDC reported that nearly two dozen toddlers were affected by lead poisoning due to the applesauce contamination.
The recalled products include WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches, as well as Weis and Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches, according to the CDC.
In its update on Friday, the FDA noted that some of the recalled pouches were still found on the shelves of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores as recently as mid-December.
