Applesauce Lead Poisoning Cases on the Rise Across the US, Including Minnesota

Three applesauce fruit pouch brands have been recalled due to the risk of lead poisoning in children, with current cases on the rise across the U.S. The lawyers at Johnson//Becker, PLLC are currently accepting new lead poisoning lawsuits. Learn more below.

Johnson//Becker, PLLC is a nationwide product liability law firm with experience representing families of children affected by dangerous products.

As of Dec. 7, 2023, 64 children have been sickened by three brands of cinnamon applesauce products–Weis, WanaBana, and Schnucks–due to lead poisoning contaminations.

On Dec. 11, 2023, a Washington Post investigation reported that several states are reviewing nearly 120 cases linked to recalled applesauce pouches tainted with lead.

Medical authorities are investigating the source of the lead contamination. All 64 children affected are under the age of six. Within three months of eating the applesauce pouches, the children had high blood lead levels.

Cases have been reported in over 20 states, including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning, Mayo Clinic says; “occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the health effects of lead exposure in children can seriously harm a child’s health. There is no safe amount of lead exposure in children. Even a small amount of lead can lead to lifelong adverse effects.

Exposure to lead can happen when a child swallows, touches or breathes in lead dust particles.

Short-term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain/Colic
  • Vomiting
  • Anemia

Long-term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:

  • Irritability
  • Lethargy
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
  • Occasional abdominal discomfort
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Muscular exhaustibility
  • Headache
  • Tremor
  • Weight loss

Children exposed to lead could have lifelong effects such as:

  • Damaged cognitive development
  • Slower development
  • Learning and behavior problems
  • Hearing and speech issues
  • Lower IQ
  • Decreased attention span
  • Slower performance in school

The FDA advises parents and caregivers to have their children acquire a blood test through their healthcare provider if they have consumed the affected fruit pouches. The FDA also recommends to immediately stop giving children the affected fruit pouches.

Johnson//Becker lawyers are currently accepting and investigating new claims on applesauce lead poisoning lawsuits. The firm has extensive experience representing families of children who have suffered lead poisoning, as well as injured children from dangerous products such as defective toys and unsafe sleep products that do not meet federal safety standards.

Questions About a Lead Poisoning Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.

If you or a loved one’s child was affected by a recalled applesauce product, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are actively pursuing new lead poisoning lawsuits across the country, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.

We offer a Free Case Evaluation. Please contact us using the form below or by calling us at (800) 279-6386

We would be honored to speak with you and respond promptly to every inquiry we receive.

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