Applesauce Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one experienced lead poisoning or other health complications following consumption of recalled applesauce products, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to contaminated food products. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Applesauce Recall Lawsuit Overview

The applesauce recall lawsuits stem from products contaminated with high levels of lead, causing serious health concerns especially for children. Manufacturers are facing allegations of negligence in allowing lead contamination in their fruit puree products. As of December 29, 2023, the CDC had received at least 287 confirmed, probable, and suspected reports of elevated blood lead levels linked to the applesauce pouches across 37 states. The FDA has identified lead contamination in cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches from multiple brands.

Latest Applesauce Recall Lawsuit Updates

January 8, 2024 – Children who consumed the lead-contaminated cinnamon applesauce pouches may also have been exposed to chromium, a toxic heavy metal chemical, the FDA announced on Friday.

Chromium occurs naturally in 2 forms: chromium-3, which is an essential nutrient, and chromium-6, which is a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

Due to testing limitations, the FDA said it couldn’t determine which form of chromium was found in the recalled applesauce pouches. However, the ratio of lead to chromium identified by the samples suggested it might be chromium-6, the agency said. That’s because the lead-to-chromium ratio in the applesauce was similar to that of a chemical compound known as lead chromate, which contains both lead and chromium-6.

As of Dec. 29, 2023, the U.S. CDC had received at least 287 confirmed, probable, and suspected reports of elevated blood lead levels linked to the applesauce pouches across 37 states.

December 19, 2023 – Health authorities are currently investigating at least 205 cases of lead poisonings across 33 different states linked to contaminated applesauce [1].

The growing case count comes as the FDA continues its investigation into the source of the tainted cinnamon. The FDA has faced “limited jurisdiction” in Ecuador, where the agency says it cannot take “direct action” to investigate some of those suspected to be behind the poisonings.

State health departments reporting cases linked to tainted recalled applesauce now also include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington — along with more than 20 other states that previously reported cases.

November 22, 2023 – At least 118 adverse events related to elevated blood lead levels in children four years old and under who consumed pouches of apple cinnamon fruit puree have been reported to the FDA [2].

FDA said the contaminated pouches of apple cinnamon fruit puree were manufactured in Ecuador and sold under WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks brands, in 31 U.S. states. The agency also said some pouches of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree are still on the shelves at several Dollar Tree stores in multiple states, and warned consumers not to buy them. The source of the contamination appears to be the cinnamon used to flavor the applesauce.

November 3, 2023 – Since the first alert was issued last week, this investigation has been transferred to the FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation (CORE) Network for additional follow-up collaboration with the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners. Two additional brands of products are also subject to recall: Schnuck cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.

Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs are sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores. Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches are sold at Weis grocery stores.

October 30, 2023 – WanaBana USA recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz due to reports of elevated levels of lead found in the products [3].

To date, at least 4 lead poisoning illnesses in children have been linked to WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée products, leading the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and sample the pouches.

The analyses came back with elevated concentrations of lead, which could result in acute toxicity, according to the FDA.

Fruit Pouches Recalled Over Reports of High Lead Levels: FOX News Video

FDA Reports and Statistics

As of December 29, 2023, the CDC had received at least 287 confirmed, probable, and suspected reports of elevated blood lead levels linked to the applesauce pouches across 37 states.

The FDA announced in November that it had broadened its investigation to identify the source of lead contamination. One company said the contamination may have come from the cinnamon added to the applesauce pouches.

FDA said it is not aware of Illnesses or elevated blood lead level adverse events reported for other cinnamon-containing products or cinnamon.

FDA investigations determined that the source of lead contamination appeared to be the cinnamon used to flavor the applesauce. St. Louis-based Schnuck Markets reported that a supplier found “elevated levels of lead found in the cinnamon raw material” used by Austrofood, which manufactures Schnuck applesauce pouches.

The FDA stated they were not aware of illnesses or elevated blood lead level adverse events reported for other cinnamon-containing products or cinnamon itself.

Applesauce Recall Lead Poisoning Injuries & Side Effects

Lead poisoning in children is an extremely serious matter that occurs after repeated exposure to lead-containing products. The symptoms may not appear immediately but can cause severe health issues.

Side effects include:

• Digestive Issues: Stomach pain, vomiting
• Neurological Problems: Headaches, confusion, seizures
• Physical Symptoms: Muscle weakness, hair loss
• Blood Disorders: Anemia (a low red blood cell count)

Long-term exposure to lead can damage a child’s brain, kidneys, and bone marrow, which is the soft tissue inside bones. According to the World Health Organization 2023 study, young children are particularly at risk because they can absorb 4 to 5 times as much lead as adults [4].

Do You Qualify for an Applesauce Recall Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an Applesauce Recall Lawsuit if:

• You or your child consumed WanaBana, Weis, or Schnucks apple cinnamon fruit puree products
• You or your child experienced symptoms of lead poisoning or other health complications after consuming these products
• Medical treatment was sought for the symptoms
• You can provide proof of purchase and/or medical documentation linking the injuries to the contaminated applesauce products

Evidence Required for an Applesauce Recall Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you should collect and preserve:

• Medical records documenting lead poisoning or related health issues
• Proof of purchase of the recalled applesauce products
• Blood test results showing elevated lead levels
• Documentation of medical treatments and expenses related to the poisoning

Damages You Can Recover

In an applesauce recall lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses for testing, treatment, and ongoing care
• Pain and suffering related to the poisoning symptoms
• Lost wages for parents who missed work to care for affected children
• Punitive damages if gross negligence is proven

Applesauce Recall Information

Products affected by the recall include:

• WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches
• Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs
• Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches

These products were distributed nationwide and available through multiple retailers including Amazon, Dollar Tree, Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores, Weis grocery stores, and other online outlets.

Specific WanaBana batch numbers included in the recall:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What caused the contamination in the recalled applesauce products?

According to the FDA investigation, the lead contamination appears to be from the cinnamon used to flavor the applesauce. One company, Schnuck Markets, reported that a supplier found “elevated levels of lead in the cinnamon raw material” used by Austrofood, which manufactures the applesauce pouches.

2. How many cases of lead poisoning have been linked to the contaminated applesauce?

As of December 29, 2023, the CDC had received at least 287 confirmed, probable, and suspected reports of elevated blood lead levels linked to the applesauce pouches across 37 states.

3. What should I do if my child consumed the recalled applesauce products?

If your child consumed any of the recalled applesauce products, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately to report symptoms and receive care. The easiest way to detect lead exposure is through a blood test, which is especially important for children as long-term lead exposure can damage brain development.

4. Can I file a lawsuit if I purchased the contaminated applesauce for someone else?

Yes, if the person who consumed the applesauce experienced health issues, they or their guardians can file a lawsuit. You can provide supporting evidence such as proof of purchase and witness testimony.

5. Can I seek punitive damages in the applesauce recall lead lawsuit?

Yes, if the manufacturer of the contaminated applesauce acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in allowing lead contamination, you may be eligible to seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These are intended to punish the manufacturer and deter similar behavior in the future.

6. Can I file a lawsuit if I developed mild symptoms from contaminated applesauce?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit even if your symptoms are mild. Compensation may still be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your illness.

7. How long do I have to file an applesauce recall lawsuit?

Time limitations for filing product liability lawsuits vary by state. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate statute of limitations for your specific situation.

Related Articles:

• Schnucks Applesauce Recall Lawsuit
• Jelly Cups Recall Lawsuit
• Types of Food Poisoning That Affect Children

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action in applesauce recall cases. Product liability claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations, which vary by state. Waiting too long could result in losing your right to seek compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our services
• Payment only if we win your case

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2023/11/30/52-kids-sick-after-eating-products-from-kids-applesauce-brands-recalled-over-lead-poisoning/
3. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wanabana-issues-voluntary-recall-wanabana-apple-cinnamon-fruit-puree-pouches-due-elevated-lead
4. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health