ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Following a recent recall of cinnamon applesauce pouches linked to lead poisoning, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health announced it will offer walk-in lead screenings for those concerned about exposure to the recalled products.
The FDA in November announced a nationwide recall of certain applesauce pouches due to elevated levels of lead found in the products. U.S. inspectors later found "extremely high" levels of lead in cinnamon at a plant in Ecuador that made the pouches.
Which products were recalled?
The following applesauce products were included in the recall:
- WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches – including 3-pack – sold nationally and are available through retailers including Amazon, Dollar Tree and other online outlets.
- Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores.
- Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches sold at Weis grocery stores.
If you own any of the recalled products, the FDA said you should empty the pouches into the trash to prevent others from consuming them.
Where to get a lead screening
The county health department will offer walk-in lead screenings, which involve a blood draw, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the following locations:
- John C. Murphy Health Center, 6121 North Hanley Road, Berkeley, MO 63134.
- North Central Community Health Center, 4000 Jennings Station Road, Pine Lawn, MO 63121.
- South County Health Center, 4580 South Lindbergh Blvd., Sunset Hills, MO 63127.
The screenings will be billed to insurance providers and cost $29 for those without insurance, according to the county health department.
Lead poisoning symptoms
Lead is toxic to humans. Children under 6 and pregnant women are at the highest risk for severe lead poisoning illness, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Short-term exposure to high concentrations of lead could lead to short-term symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia, according to DHSS. Most children don't show obvious immediate symptoms. Long-term symptoms can include irritability, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, brain fog, tremors, weight loss, behavioral issues and lowered IQ.
As of Jan. 2, the FDA reported 82 complaints of adverse events linked to the recall, and those affected ranged in age between zero and 53 years old. The median age was one year old.
In Missouri, 31 cases were reported, according to the DHSS. Of those cases:
- Three were confirmed lead poisoning.
- 24 were probable.
- Four were suspect.
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