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New Jersey Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit (2024 Update)

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Collen Clark Published by Collen Clark
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If your child or other loved one developed symptoms of lead poisoning, or was otherwise sickened after eating recalled applesauce products, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing an Apple Sauce Recall Lawsuit and our lawyers can help. Please click the button below for a Free Confidential Case Evaluation or call us toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.

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Quick Summary

  • If the recent lead contamination news regarding New Jersey’s applesauce has left you feeling uneasy, know that you’re not alone. This article delves into the critical health concerns, the ongoing New Jersey Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit targeting those accountable, and the actions available to those impacted to pursue justice.
  • If you or a loved one has suffered from lead poisoning due to contaminated applesauce, Schmidt & Clark LLP is ready to support you. As a firm with a distinguished record in representing plaintiffs, we are dedicated to helping 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 standing as a beacon of hope for you and your family, navigating the choppy waters of health crises with a steady hand. Our deep understanding of health and human services isn’t just a pillar of support; it’s a promise that your family’s well-being is our top priority.

Here’s how we can make a difference for you:

  • Expert Guidance: We’ll steer you through the complexities of legal procedures with expertise and empathy.
  • Medical Liaison: As you address your medical needs, we’ll be the bridge to securing the compensation you deserve.
  • Personal Support: You’re not alone in this journey; our team offers unwavering support every step of the way.

If you or your child are experiencing muscle aches or other symptoms related to lead exposure, your healthcare provider is your first line of defense in diagnosing potential lead poisoning.

Following this, we can take the helm to help you address your medical needs and secure rightful compensation. With S&C, you gain more than legal representation; you gain partners who care deeply about your well-being during these trying times.

Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit

WanaBana LLC had to voluntarily recall all of their apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches due to elevated lead levels in some samples. This recall didn’t just affect the WanaBana brand but also extended to certain Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches, which included the recalled applesauce pouches in question.

The response from consumers to the recall has initiated legal proceedings, highlighting the need for accountability.

What Is Applesauce Contamination?

Applesauce contamination is the introduction of harmful substances, such as lead, into the product. This was the case with the WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches, along with certain Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches, where alarmingly high levels of lead were detected. Lead is a dangerous metal that, when ingested, can lead to developmental problems and a multitude of health issues.

The officials believe it was deliberate. The contaminated applesauce and cinnamon bypassed multiple safety checkpoints in the U.S. food supply system, hinting at intentional adulteration of the spices for economic gain. This revelation makes the situation even more alarming, making it critical to hold the responsible parties accountable.

The recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches, also known as cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches or apple cinnamon fruit puree fruit pouches, were distributed not only across the United States but also to international markets.

Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores carried the Schnuck brand of apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. Weis brand apple cinnamon fruit puree products were sold at Weis grocery stores.

Interestingly, some Family Dollar/Dollar Tree stores continued to display WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree products on their shelves, even after the recall. The recalled pouches were also sold through various online retailers, including Amazon. This wide distribution makes the recall even more significant and the potential damage even more widespread.

Reasons Behind The Recall

The recall was triggered after the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found elevated levels of lead in certain samples of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches. This discovery has raised concerns about the safety of the product. The FDA recommended that parents and caregivers stop feeding their children the recalled pouches and dispose of any remaining products.

The FDA identified economically motivated adulteration of cinnamon used in applesauce products as the cause of unsafe lead levels. In light of this, the FDA plans to increase import checks and spice testing to prevent future occurrences of lead contamination.

Following the recall, the FDA initiated an investigation to identify the source of lead contamination in applesauce products, specifically looking into the cinnamon ingredient. Testing of the cinnamon supplied by Negasmart confirmed unusually high lead levels and the presence of lead chromate, a compound not naturally found in cinnamon.

According to Food Quality and Safety, the investigation led the FDA to Carlos Aguilera of Ecuador, associated with Negasmart, as the likely source of the tainted cinnamon that led to the lead contamination in the applesauce pouches [1].

The FDA has taken post-incident actions, including additional surveillance and prevention activities to prevent similar future incidents.

Side Effects of The Applesauce Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning can have severe health impacts, especially on young children who are highly susceptible.

Children under six years old can face the following health issues due to lead poisoning:

  • Developmental delays
  • Learning difficulties
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sluggishness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Hearing loss
  • Seizures

It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect lead poisoning in yourself or your child, as this may be indicative of elevated blood lead levels. Adults are not immune to the harmful effects of lead poisoning either.

They may suffer from high blood lead levels, which can cause them to face lifelong health challenges, including the risk of developing further lifelong health challenges such as:

  • high blood pressure
  • joint and muscle pain
  • memory or concentration problems
  • headaches
  • mood disorders

Pregnant women face risks of miscarriage or premature birth. These are just some of the reasons why the applesauce recall and the resulting lawsuit are of such importance.

Being exposed to lead over a long period can cause lasting brain damage. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. But often there are no clear symptoms of lead poisoning – Jabeen Begum, MD, Consultant Microbiologist at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology Hospital (AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli)

How Do You Qualify for an Applesauce Lead Lawsuit?

To qualify for an applesauce recall lead lawsuit, you must have consumed the contaminated product and been diagnosed with lead poisoning or related health issues. Demonstrating that the lead poisoning was a direct consequence of consuming the contaminated applesauce is a prerequisite for eligibility in the lawsuit.

Legal action can be taken against the manufacturing, distributing, or retailing entities responsible for the contaminated applesauce products. To qualify for a lawsuit, claimants must gather evidence that proves the manufacturer or supplier was negligent in preventing or disclosing the presence of lead in the applesauce.

The Status Of The Applesauce Lead Poisoning Litigation in New Jersey

Parents of children affected by lead-contaminated WanaBana products have begun legal action, including lawsuits directly targeting the Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches. A nationwide class action lawsuit has also been filed, seeking compensation and a health monitoring program.

Individuals who suffered lead poisoning from the contaminated products have the option to bring a product liability lawsuit. They are encouraged to contact a law firm for potential litigation and financial compensation. WanaBana USA LLC is working to maintain federal jurisdiction over one of the cases by citing diversity of citizenship requirements.

Filing an Applesauce Lead Poisoning Lawsuit in New Jersey

You may be wondering how to file an applesauce lead poisoning lawsuit in New Jersey. If you or your loved ones have been affected by this recall, it’s essential to understand the steps involved in filing a lawsuit.

Types of Evidence To Present

Evidence plays a crucial role in any lawsuit. For an applesauce lead poisoning lawsuit, you’ll need to demonstrate that the lead poisoning was a direct result of consuming the contaminated applesauce.

This evidence can include:

  • medical records documenting a child’s diagnosis and treatment costs
  • evidence indicating purchase of the contaminated applesauce pouches, such as unopened pouches, used pouches
  •  receipts
  • account statements

Moreover, continuously keeping records and notes of the child’s medical appointments and the impact of the medical condition on their life helps strengthen a lawsuit claim.

To hold the responsible parties accountable, claimants must gather evidence that proves the manufacturer or supplier was negligent in preventing or disclosing the presence of lead in the applesauce.

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

The statute of limitations for the applesauce lead poisoning lawsuit in New Jersey is two years from the date the injury occurred. This means that personal injury lawsuits, including those for lead poisoning, must be initiated within this timeframe, so it’s important to act promptly if you’re considering legal action.

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Have you or a loved one suffered food poisoning from consuming contaminated food or beverages?

Get Your Free Consultation From New Jersey Lead Poisoning Lawyers

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we stand by your side in these difficult times. If you or a family member is affected by lead contamination from applesauce, we encourage you to contact us.

Our team is proficient in managing cases of this nature and will navigate you through the intricacies of the legal process.

We are committed to elucidating your rights and determining if you have a viable claim in the applesauce lead contamination lawsuit. We offer free initial consultations, and our fee structure is contingent upon securing a victory for you.

Contact us for a comprehensive review of your situation regarding the applesauce lead contamination issue.

Reference:

  1. https://www.foodqualityandsafety.com/article/ecuadorian-cinnamon-supplier-identified-in-applesauce-related-lead-outbreak/
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/health-effects.htm

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