WanaBana Recalls Apple Puree & Apple Sauce

On November 9, 2023, WanaBana USA recalled all lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches due to reports of elevated levels of lead found in certain units of the product.

The California Department of Education Nutrition Services Division strongly recommends that food program operators take precautions to ensure these products are not served or consumed and instead are disposed of per the manufacturer's instructions.

Please note that per the manufacturer these products are not U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods items.

The following information is directly from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

November 9, 2023 - United States - WanaBana USA is voluntarily recalling all lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches due to reports of elevated levels of lead found in certain units of the product.

Pursuant to the FDA, lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. If you suspect that your child might have consumed this product, parents should talk to your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test. Lead poisoning can only be diagnosed through clinical testing. Although signs and symptoms of lead toxicity vary, short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain/Colic
• Vomiting
• Anemia

Longer term exposure could result in additional symptoms:

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

WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches were distributed nationwide through online and retail stores. The affected product information is WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree in 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz.

WanaBana USA has initiated a voluntary recall of all batches and is working closely with the FDA to investigate the source of the contamination. The company is committed to ensuring the safety of its products and the well-being of its consumers. Four illnesses have been reported to date, leading North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and sample the pouches. North Carolina’s analyses came back with elevated concentrations of lead which could result in acute toxicity. WanaBana trade channels include Dollar Tree and Amazon. WanaBana USA is working to investigate the source of the contamination and is collaborating with the FDA in updating consumers with information related to this product recall.

For further information on this recall, please visit the FDA Safety Alert web page .

Contact Information

Consumers or program operators with questions about the applesauce recall can reach WanaBana by email at support@wanabanafruits.com.

If you have any other questions regarding this subject, please contact Jeremy Partsch, Office Technician, by phone at 916-322-3005 or by email at jpartsch@cde.ca.gov.