Louisiana Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit: Latest Updates in 2024

Quick Summary

• If you’ve been affected by the recent applesauce recall in Louisiana due to lead contamination, this article will be a valuable resource for you.
• We cover the lawsuit details, identify the brands and products involved, and guide you through the process of joining the lawsuit to seek compensation. Understanding your rights is crucial if you’ve purchased or consumed the recalled applesauce, and we’re here to help you navigate the ‘Louisiana applesauce recall lead lawsuit’.
• If you or a loved one has suffered from lead contamination due to apple sauce, the team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP stands ready to support you. Our firm is distinguished by our dedication to representing plaintiffs, and our primary goal is to help you secure the justice and financial restitution you are entitled to.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing expert legal representation for families affected by the applesauce recall due to lead contamination.

As a law firm with a strong track record in product liability and mass torts litigation, S&C is well-equipped to hold negligent companies accountable and fight for the rights of those impacted by this health crisis.

S&C is committed to personalizing its legal approach, ensuring that the specific needs of each client are met with utmost priority. Clients can expect:

• A focus on individual case circumstances for tailored legal strategies
• The benefit of S&C’s extensive experience in environmental and toxic tort litigations
• An opportunity for a free initial consultation to begin the journey towards justice and compensation

Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit

The Louisiana Department of Health’s announcement of a recall of certain applesauce products, including cinnamon applesauce pouches and specifically cinnamon flavored applesauce pouches, due to high levels of lead kicked off this legal battle.

The affected products were found to contain lead concentrations up to 2000 times the safe level. Families affected by these products have turned to the law to seek justice.

This lawsuit embodies more than a mere legal case; it’s about holding corporations accountable for their negligence regarding consumer safety and pursuing justice for the victims.

The recall involves three brands of applesauce – WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis, including the Weis brand cinnamon applesauce – which were available for purchase at various retail stores, including Dollar Tree.

What Is Applesauce Contamination?

Applesauce contamination is the presence of harmful substances, such as lead chromate, in applesauce products. This specific contaminant poses significant health risks.

According to the 2023 FDA investigation, the contamination has affected over 468 patients in 44 states, with 90 children having adverse reactions, as reported by the FDA [1].

The FDA believes that the contamination was a result of economically motivated adulteration. However, their ability to take action against foreign suppliers not shipping directly to the U.S. is limited, posing a challenge in ensuring consumer safety.

Reasons Behind The Recall

The recall was triggered by the discovery of elevated lead levels in certain recalled applesauce pouches. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration made this discovery during routine testing of apple cinnamon fruit puree, specifically WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches. To ensure your safety, it is important to avoid eating recalled applesauce products.

The recalled pouches, which included the brands WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis, were available for purchase not only at Dollar Tree stores but also online and at various other retail stores.

This widespread availability of the contaminated products contributed to the extensive impact of the contamination.

Side Effects of The Applesauce Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is particularly harmful to children under six due to its rapid growth and developmental stage.

Children who consumed the contaminated applesauce products were found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood, indicating lead poisoning. The lawsuits allege that the consumption of the contaminated applesauce has led to these elevated levels.

The insidiousness of lead poisoning lies in its lack of obvious immediate symptoms. In many cases, the damage is done silently, with symptoms only becoming apparent when elevated blood lead levels are identified. This makes early detection and prevention crucial in mitigating the long-term effects of lead exposure.

Identifying lead poisoning symptoms is a crucial stride towards ensuring prompt intervention and addressing lead toxicity.

Symptoms in children under six may include:

• Developmental delays
• Learning difficulties
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Seizures

In some cases, the symptoms may be less pronounced, causing children with high blood lead levels to appear asymptomatic. This makes it even more essential for parents to be vigilant and seek medical advice if they suspect their child has been exposed to lead.

How Do You Qualify for an Applesauce Lead Lawsuit?

To qualify for an applesauce recall lead lawsuit, you must have purchased and consumed the recalled products and subsequently been diagnosed with lead contamination.

Parents must obtain a medical diagnosis and engage with an attorney to fully understand their legal rights.

Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development – Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., Family Physician at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rochester, Minnesota

The Status Of The Applesauce Lead Poisoning Litigation in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the litigation concerning applesauce lead poisoning is still active, with a considerable number of potential lead poisoning cases coming to light.

As of January 26, 2024, the CDC reports a total of 404 potential lead poisoning cases from 43 states related to the fruit pouches, indicating that this is a widespread health concern [2].

The CDC, in collaboration with state and local health departments, is actively identifying and documenting all confirmed, probable, and suspected lead poisoning cases as part of their disease control efforts.

This collaborative effort is supported by the FDA’s active engagement in receiving reports of adverse events potentially related to the recalled applesauce product.

As the litigation unfolds, one aspect that comes into focus is the product liability claims. Manufacturers like WanaBana can be held strictly liable for contaminations in their products, allowing for clear liability in legal actions.

The lawsuit alleges that the companies involved should have known about the dangers of the applesauce products and accuses them of exposing consumers to extreme risk.

Product liability lawsuits can be filed against WanaBana and other companies involved in selling food that caused elevated lead levels in children. Such lawsuits serve as a powerful tool to hold corporations accountable for their negligence and to seek justice for the affected families.

Applesauce Lead Poisoning Settlement Amounts in Louisiana

The potential lawsuit settlement amounts could serve as a relief source for the families impacted by this crisis. They are seeking monetary compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by the lead-contaminated applesauce. The lawsuits are also targeting retailers, like Dollar Tree, for selling products that resulted in lead poisoning.

The lawsuits include the demand for a health monitoring program to watch for long-term health issues in those who ingested the contaminated applesauce, regardless of their age or health status. This reflects the understanding that the effects of lead contamination can be long-lasting and may affect individuals over a lifetime.

Filing an Applesauce Lead Poisoning Lawsuit in Louisiana

Should your family be impacted by the applesauce recall, the initial move is to have your child screened for lead levels. Parents should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss potential risk factors for lead exposure and to determine the necessity of a blood test. In the event of elevated lead levels in a child’s blood, healthcare providers may provide follow-up services aimed at mitigating long-term effects.

Types of Evidence To Present

Presenting the appropriate evidence is crucial when filing a lawsuit. Parents can arrange a blood test for lead exposure by contacting their pediatrician or seeking assistance from the local health department.

Pediatricians, federally qualified health centers, and your child’s healthcare provider can conduct lead exposure testing for children.

What is the Statute of Limitations for the Applesauce Lead Poisoning Lawsuit in Louisiana?

The statute of limitations for the applesauce lead poisoning lawsuit in Louisiana is one year from the day the injury or damage occurred. Notably, this deadline can be extended in certain situations, such as when the injured party is a minor or when the injury’s cause was not immediately apparent.

In the tragic event that an individual eligible to file a claim passes away before a settlement is reached, their family members may have one year from the date of death to file for compensation.

Related Articles:

• Arkansas Applesauce Recall Lead Attorney
• Colorado Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit
• Florida Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From Louisiana Lead Poisoning Lawyers

If you or someone you care about has been affected by lead-contaminated applesauce, Schmidt & Clark, LLP is ready to stand by your side. Our seasoned team is adept at managing such cases and offers comprehensive guidance through each step of the legal process.

We are committed to clarifying your rights and determining if you qualify for a lawsuit concerning the lead contamination in applesauce. Our initial consultations are free of charge, and we operate on a contingency fee basis – meaning you only pay if we win your case.

At Schmidt & Clark, you’ll receive the compassionate and dedicated service that we provide to our family members. Contact us for an in-depth review of your situation related to the applesauce lead contamination issue.

Reference:

1. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023
2. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023