WanaBana Applesauce Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

WanaBana Applesauce Lawsuit Overview

The WanaBana applesauce lawsuits focus on dangerous lead contamination found in apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches that caused serious health issues in children across the United States. Primary allegations against WanaBana and its partners involve negligence in allowing a product with toxic levels of lead—some testing at more than 2,000 times proposed safety limits—to reach consumers. The FDA and CDC have linked these products to hundreds of lead poisoning cases nationwide, totaling 519 reported cases across 44 states as of February 2024, with some children consuming up to 6 pouches daily, significantly increasing their exposure risk.

Latest WanaBana Lawsuit Updates

December 10, 2024 –

According to a 2024 FDA warning letter, WanaBana USA failed to implement effective food safety controls, contributing to lead-contaminated applesauce that harmed multiple children [1].

July 22, 2024 – As reported by NC Health News, health officials in North Carolina were the first to detect lead contamination in WanaBana applesauce, leading to a national recall and multiple lawsuits involving affected children.

January 31, 2024 – According to Motley Rice, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of two children who suffered lead poisoning after consuming WanaBana applesauce—alleging the company’s negligence and product safety failures.

January 8, 2024 – The FDA announced on Friday that it had found another metal contaminant in the recalled applesauce products that have been linked to hundreds of lead poisoning cases across the U.S. The recalled WanaBana LLC applesauce products and cinnamon collected from Ecuador-based Austrofood showed a “high level of chromium,” which has been linked to cancer in elevated dosages.

People who ate recalled products, especially if they had elevated blood lead levels, may have been exposed to chromium and should inform their healthcare provider so they can monitor health and provide supportive care, as needed,  the FDA said in its update.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to FDA investigations, the recalled WanaBana applesauce products contained lead levels more than 200 times proposed safety limits, with cinnamon samples exceeding 2,000 times international standards. Reports indicate:

• As of February 2024, 519 lead poisoning cases have been linked to these products nationwide, according to CDC reports
• Children reportedly consumed up to 6 pouches per day, dramatically increasing their risk
• Products were found on store shelves of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores as late as mid-December 2023, despite the November recall
• The FDA discovered chromium contamination in addition to lead in January 2024
• Testing revealed the cinnamon used in these products was the likely source of contamination

FDA said the source of the contamination appears to be the cinnamon used to flavor the applesauce.

So far all of the signals we’re getting lead to an intentional act on the part of someone in the supply chain and we’re trying to sort of figure that out,  said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones.  My instinct is they didn’t think this product was going to end up in a country with a robust regulatory process. They thought it was going to end up in places that did not have the ability to detect something like this.

FDA Links Recalled WanaBana Fruit Puree to Over 50 Kids with High Blood Lead Levels: NBC News Video

WanaBana Applesauce Injuries & Side Effects

Lead exposure from contaminated WanaBana products can cause both immediate symptoms and long-term developmental problems, with children being particularly vulnerable to toxic effects.

• Immediate Symptoms: Abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, anemia, and in severe cases, seizures or encephalopathy
• Short-Term Effects: Learning and behavior problems, hearing and speech issues, and slowed growth
• Long-Term Developmental Impacts: Lower IQ levels, decreased attention span, and academic underperformance
• Ongoing Health Concerns: Neurological damage, chronic cardiovascular issues, and potential kidney disease

  I go back and forth between feeling guilty that I fed her this, and it had lead in it, and angry that this company sold me this product that I thought was safe, Goolsby said.

Do You Qualify for a WanaBana Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a WanaBana lawsuit if:

• You purchased and/or your child consumed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnuck cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, or Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches during 2023
• You or your child experienced symptoms of lead poisoning after consuming these products
• You sought medical attention for these symptoms
• Blood tests confirmed elevated lead levels
• You can provide medical documentation linking the symptoms to WanaBana product consumption

Evidence Required for a WanaBana Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you should gather:

• Purchase Receipts: Proof of WanaBana product purchases, including dates and locations
• Medical Records: Documentation of doctor visits, treatments, and diagnoses related to lead exposure
• Blood Test Results: Laboratory reports showing elevated lead levels
• Consumption Records: Logs detailing how many pouches were consumed and when
• Product Evidence: Photos of any remaining products showing labels, batch numbers, and expiration dates

Damages You Can Recover

In a WanaBana lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for blood tests, treatments, hospital stays, and ongoing care
• Monitoring Programs: Future medical monitoring for lead-related health issues
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to caring for an affected child
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation intended to punish the company for negligence

WanaBana Recall Information

On October 28, 2023, WanaBana USA voluntarily issued a nationwide recall of its WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches after the FDA and multiple state health departments detected elevated levels of lead in the product. Following this, on November 9, 2023, the recall was expanded to include [2]:

• Schnucks Cinnamon-Flavored Applesauce Pouches

• Weis Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

The FDA identified cinnamon used in these products as the likely source of lead contamination. Ongoing investigations suggest the contamination may have been intentional, potentially involving economically motivated adulteration (EMA)—a practice where suppliers illegally substitute or add substances to lower costs or increase profits.

Statute of Limitations for WanaBana Lawsuits

The time limit for filing a WanaBana lawsuit varies by state but generally ranges from 1-3 years from the date of injury or discovery. Because lead poisoning effects may not be immediately apparent, the “discovery rule” may apply, meaning the statute of limitations begins when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury.

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe for your state.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my child has lead poisoning from WanaBana products?

If your child consumed recalled WanaBana products, watch for symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, irritability, fatigue, and developmental delays. A blood test is the only definitive way to confirm lead poisoning. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect exposure.

2. What should I do with recalled WanaBana products?

The CDC advises consumers not to eat any recalled apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. Discard them immediately or return them to the point of purchase for a refund. Take photos of the products before disposal as potential evidence.

3. How much compensation can I receive from a WanaBana lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on factors including severity of lead poisoning, medical expenses, ongoing treatment needs, and long-term health impacts. Cases involving children with measurable lead levels and documented health effects typically warrant higher settlements.

4. Can I join a class action lawsuit against WanaBana?

Yes, individuals affected by WanaBana products may join a class action lawsuit if one is available. Several cases have already been filed, including one by a North Carolina family whose child had blood lead levels measured at 20 mcg/dL (normal is under 3.5 mcg/dL).

5. How long will a WanaBana lawsuit take?

The timeline varies depending on case complexity, evidence availability, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some product liability cases settle within 1-2 years, while others may take longer, especially if long-term medical monitoring is needed to assess ongoing health impacts.

6. What is WanaBana doing to address the contamination issue?

WanaBana has recalled all affected products and is cooperating with FDA investigations into the source of contamination. The investigation is focusing on the cinnamon ingredient and potential intentional adulteration in the supply chain.

7. Will my child need ongoing medical monitoring after lead exposure?

Yes, children exposed to lead should undergo regular blood tests to monitor lead levels and neuropsychological evaluations to assess cognitive and behavioral functioning. Early intervention is crucial for minimizing long-term health impacts.

Related Articles:

Applesauce Recall Lead Lawsuit

Baby Food Toxic Metals Lawsuit

Green Sprouts Sippy Cup Lead Exposure Lawsuit

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 for lead poisoning caused by WanaBana products. Most states only allow 1-3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, and delays could jeopardize your right to compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

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

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact our experienced attorneys today to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for injuries caused by contaminated WanaBana products.

Get a Free WanaBana Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in WanaBana Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and are currently accepting new food poisoning cases in all 50 states.

Again, if your child or other loved one developed symptoms of lead poisoning, or was otherwise sickened in any way after eating recalled applesauce products, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.

References:

[1] https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/wanabana-usa-llc-680548-11042024 

[2] https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wanabana-recalls-wanabana-weis-and-schnucks-apple-cinnamon-fruit-puree-pouches-cinnamon-apple-sauce