Maryland Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• If you’re grappling with the repercussions of the Maryland applesauce recall lead lawsuit, it’s important to stay informed. The discovery of excessive lead in several popular applesauce brands has sparked justified anxiety, especially among parents.
• This article aims to illuminate the legal options available, potential avenues for compensation, and the steps Maryland residents can take to safeguard their health and legal rights in the wake of this distressing event.
• If you or someone close to you has suffered from the effects of lead-contaminated applesauce, the team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, stands ready to support you. Known for our expertise in representing plaintiffs, our primary goal is to help you secure the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by offering comprehensive legal assistance to those affected by the Maryland applesauce recall lead lawsuit. We provide support in navigating the complexities of the legal system, ensuring that the process of filing for compensation is as seamless and stress-free as possible for their clients.

At S&C, we offer a free case evaluation, guide you through settlement claims for lead poisoning, and provide expert legal advice, ensuring a smoother path to justice with these key services:

• Complimentary, confidential case assessments
• Navigation assistance for settlement claims related to lead-contaminated applesauce
• Expert legal counsel to simplify the complex legal journey

Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit

The Maryland Applesauce Recall began when tests revealed higher than acceptable levels of lead in certain WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches. Recognizing the potential health risks, the FDA issued a safety alert on October 28, 2023, to inform the public.

The FDA’s investigation led to the discovery of additional contaminated products, expanding the safety alert to include certain Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches, as well as several Dollar Tree stores.

Wanabana responded promptly by expanding their recall to include these additional cinnamon applesauce pouches. This sequence of recalls and safety alerts drew the public’s attention to the series of products affected by lead contamination across multiple brands.

What Is Applesauce Contamination?

Applesauce contamination occurs when harmful substances, such as lead, are present in applesauce products. This contamination poses serious health risks to consumers, particularly children. The brands affected by the high lead content recall were WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis.

Recalled products included WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches and Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches. WanaBana announced a recall of all batches of their Wanabana apple cinnamon puree pouches.

At the same time, Weis identified a specific affected lot of their recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches for consumers to check. It is crucial to avoid eating recalled fruit pouches, including cinnamon applesauce and fruit pouches, to ensure safety.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an advisory on these specific brands of cinnamon applesauce due to elevated lead levels.

This raised concerns among consumers, particularly parents who trust these companies to provide safe and healthy products for their children.

Reasons Behind The Recall

According to the FDA 2023 notice, the agency investigated the presence of elevated lead levels in cinnamon applesauce pouches, which eventually led to a product recall. The fact that there were 90 confirmed complaints or reports of adverse events related to the consumption of the contaminated applesauce is alarming [1].

The FDA’s investigation traced the supplier of the contaminated cinnamon to Negasmart, which provided the ingredient to Austrofoods, one of the toddler food manufacturers used in the recalled products. This revelation pointed to a serious breach in these food manufacturers’ quality control measures, shaking consumers’ trust.

This extensive investigation and the resulting recall served as a wake-up call for both consumers and food manufacturers, highlighting the importance of stringent quality control measures and the potential health risks posed by contaminated food in terms of disease control.

Side Effects of The Applesauce Lead Poisoning

While the recall and lawsuit are critical, what’s even more important is understanding the impact of this incident on the health of those who consumed the contaminated applesauce.

According to Mayo Clinic 2023 research, symptoms of lead poisoning may not be immediately apparent. Still, repeated exposure can lead to serious health issues, such as irreversible damage to brain development and damage to the kidneys and nervous system [2].

Children exposed to lead may experience:

• developmental delays
• learning difficulties
• hearing loss
• seizures
• vomiting
• anemia
• lethargy
• fatigue
• muscular weakness
•  weight loss

As for adults with lead poisoning, symptoms can include:

• memory or concentration problems
• high blood pressure
• joint and muscle pain
•  reproductive issues such as reduced sperm count and increased risks of miscarriage or premature birth

Chronic lead poisoning can be particularly tricky, as individuals may appear healthy despite elevated blood lead levels. This necessitates blood tests for diagnosis and potentially requiring medication for severe cases. These potential health risks underscore the importance of holding responsible parties accountable.

How Do You Qualify for an Applesauce Lead Lawsuit?

To qualify for an applesauce lead lawsuit, you must have experienced lead poisoning after consuming WanaBana products. It’s crucial to understand the steps involved in filing a product liability lawsuit, which may appear daunting but become more approachable once you know what is required.

In recognition of the particular sensitivity of the developing brain to lead’s pernicious effects, much of this legislation has been addressed to the prevention of childhood lead poisoning – Theodore I. Lidsky, PhD, Director of the Laboratory of Electrophysiology at the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities

The Status Of The Applesauce Lead Poisoning Litigation in Maryland

For Marylanders following the local legislative developments, the “Rudy Callahan Act” has become a significant topic. This proposed law, named after a young Maryland boy who suffered lead poisoning from consuming contaminated apple puree pouches, is pushing for stringent state-mandated testing of baby food that surpasses federal standards.

The Callahan family’s ordeal began when routine testing revealed Rudy’s blood-lead levels to be dangerously high, nearly six times the acceptable limit. His mother, Sarah, voiced her distress to lawmakers, articulating the mix of emotions they faced and the urgency for better protection.

The bill, championed by Delegates Deni Taveras (D-Prince George’s) and Cheryl E. Pasteur (D-Baltimore County), is part of a broader movement to enforce stricter regulations on baby food at the state level.

This movement gained traction after congressional reports in 2021 highlighted the presence of toxic heavy metals in baby foods, propelling the FDA to work on voluntary guidelines known as the Closer to Zero plan.

The proposed Maryland legislation would not only require baby food manufacturers to conduct monthly tests for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury starting in 2023 but also mandate that by 2026, the test results be clearly printed on the product’s label or accessible via a QR code.

While the bill has received some resistance from industry representatives questioning the efficacy of state-by-state regulation and suggesting modifications to the testing protocols, the momentum behind the bill is a clear signal of Maryland’s commitment to child safety and proactive public health policy.

Applesauce Lead Poisoning Settlement Amounts in Maryland

The thought of a settlement might be daunting, but understanding what it entails can help.

In an applesauce recall lead lawsuit, claimable damages include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death
• Other damages

If you’re a victim of the applesauce recall lead poisoning, you might be eligible for a settlement by filing a lawsuit.

However, the amount of settlement varies based on several factors, including the extent of the injury, the impact on the individual’s life, and the circumstances of the case.

While no amount of money can truly compensate for the physical and emotional distress caused by such incidents, these settlements can provide financial relief and contribute to covering medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages incurred due to the incident.

Filing an Applesauce Lead Poisoning Lawsuit in Maryland

Suppose you believe that you or a loved one has suffered from lead poisoning due to consuming recalled applesauce products. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation by filing an applesauce lead poisoning lawsuit.

The first step is to contact a law firm that specializes in applesauce recall lawsuits for a case evaluation.

Types of Evidence To Present

Evidence plays a critical role in any lawsuit. In the case of an applesauce lead poisoning lawsuit, specific evidence can significantly strengthen your claim.

Retained unopened applesauce pouches can be used as evidence to demonstrate a purchase of the contaminated product.

Other critical pieces of evidence include:

• Discarded applesauce pouches
• Receipts and account statements that show the purchase of the applesauce
• Medical records documenting a child’s diagnosis and treatment costs related to lead contamination.

In lead poisoning cases, it’s crucial to demonstrate the cause of the lead poisoning and the sustained injuries. This often requires accurate data, expert testimony, and appropriate presentation in court. This evidence forms the backbone of your claim and can significantly influence the outcome of your lawsuit.

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

The statute of limitations for the applesauce lead poisoning lawsuit in Maryland is three years from the date of the incident for adults to file a claim for minors who have suffered from lead poisoning.

They have until three years after their 18th birthday to initiate a claim. However, once an individual reaches the age of 21, they are no longer able to file a claim for injuries sustained as a minor due to lead poisoning.

Related Articles:

• Utah Applesauce Recall Lead Attorney
• Virginia Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit
• Pennsylvania Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Maryland Lead Poisoning Lawyers

If you or someone you care about has been affected by lead contamination from applesauce, Schmidt & Clark, LLP stands ready to assist. Our seasoned team is well-versed in such matters and will navigate you through the complexities of the legal process.

We’ll provide clear insights into your legal options and determine if you’re eligible to file a claim related to applesauce lead contamination.

Our consultations are offered at no cost, and we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation of your 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.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717