Maginnis Howard filed suit last month against Ecuadorian food producer WanaBana after 4 North Carolina children got lead poisoning after consuming the company’s Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree. Now, recalls of two other brands, Schnucks and Weis, have parents and other consumers concerned about further contamination. If you have purchased products under any of these names, contact our Raleigh office immediately for information on our national class action lawsuit.
Schnucks, Weis, and WanaBana Products Recalled
On October 28, 2023, the FDA warned parents and caregivers to avoid purchasing or feeding their children WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches. The FDA stated that the product may contain dangerously high levels of lead, which could cause acute toxicity. Health officials have analyzed multiple lots of the product and found it contains exceptionally high lead concentrations. The FDA has also recommended that parents have their children tested for possible lead poisoning if they have consumed the product.
Under investigation, the FDA determined the contaminated pouches were sold under three brand names – Schnucks, Weis, and WanaBana. Each of these brands produces the pouches in the same Ecuadorian facility. Inspectors from the US government are visiting the site and speculate that the product’s issues are “economically motivated.”
On December 8th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed 46 cases of lead poisoning in 22 states.
Dangers of Lead Consumption
Since the 1970s, government agencies have banned the use of lead in many household products such as paint, ceramic, pipes, and batteries. Lead, a naturally occurring metal, is toxic to humans when consumed or inhaled.
Lead exposure in children can be hard to detect, and often, there are no immediate symptoms. If you think your child may have ingested a Schnucks, Weis, or WanaBana product containing lead, it’s vital to speak with your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test. Only clinical testing can confirm lead poisoning. Although the signs and symptoms of lead toxicity can vary, short-term exposure may lead to:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Weight loss
- Muscle Aches
- Fatigue
Representation for Lead Poisoning
Have you purchased or consumed products of Schnucks, Weis, or WanaBana? Contact our office immediately for more information about our suit. Call our Raleigh office at (919) 526-0450 or message us through the contact page.
