Maginnis Howard has filed suit against WanaBana USA, a popular producer of fruit purees after the FDA confirmed the presence of lead in at least one of their products. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), four children were found to have elevated levels of lead after consuming WanaBana’s Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches. Our attorneys are arguing the company misrepresented its product and deceived reasonable consumers by failing to disclose the risk of heavy metal toxicity.
FDA Warning
On October 28th, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned parents and caregivers not to buy or feed their children WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, as they may contain dangerous lead levels. The FDA also advised parents to get their children tested for possible lead poisoning if they have consumed the product. Health officials analyzed multiple lots of the product and detected “extremely high” concentrations of lead, which could cause “acute toxicity.”
Lead Toxicity
Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in paint, ceramics, pipes, batteries, etc. It is toxic to humans, especially when consumed or inhaled. Today, the use of lead in consumer products is heavily regulated for the metal’s potential to cause serious health problems.
According to the World Health Organization, lead poisoning is a preventable illness that is believed to contribute to .6% of the world’s disease burden. The symptoms of lead poisoning include:
- Intellectual disability
- Learning difficulties
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
Lead is particularly harmful to children under the age of six. According to the CDC, there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.
WanaBana USA
WanaBana USA, a company based in Coral Gables, Florida, has voluntarily recalled all lot codes and expiration dates of the Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, which are sold nationally at various retailers, including Sam’s Club, Amazon, and Dollar Tree. Subsequently, the FDA urged consumers with these pouches in their homes to dispose of them immediately. Parents and caregivers who suspect their children may have been exposed to lead should contact their healthcare providers about getting a blood test.
Misleading Consumers
WanaBana’s packaging of the purees emphasizes the snack as a healthy choice for children, containing only fruit and “no added sugar.” Further, the company’s website displays several certifications from international product safety organizations.
The assertions WanaBana makes about its products boast a commitment to consumer safety and make no mention of the possible contamination of heavy metals (including lead). Without proper warning, we allege that a reasonable consumer would not assume a product would contain any level of toxicity. Parents often pay more to ensure the healthy development of their children. WanaBana’s omission of a safety warning has not only endangered the lives of developing children, but it has also enriched the company.
Representation Against WanaBana
Have you purchased or consumed WanaBana’s Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches or any other of the company’s products? Contact our office immediately for more information about our suit. Call our Raleigh location at (919) 526-0450 or message us through the contact page.
