The province announced Wednesday via press release that Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are recommending parents and caregivers be aware of current food and product recalls in Canada and the United States.

This comes after a local child was discovered to have blood-lead levels higher than national guidelines after eating applesauce affected by an American recall.

The release says that in early November, several brands of cinnamon apple snack pouches were recalled in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to elevated lead levels. It noted young children are more likely to consume these foods and are more sensitive to lead exposure.

Blood lead test results are reportable to public health. As a result of this process, the province has been made aware of a Manitoba child who consumed these snack pouches. The child has not experienced any negative symptoms related to lead exposure, but their caregivers took them to their health-care provider for follow-up when they became aware of the recall. Testing found elevated levels of lead in the child’s blood. The province will not be providing further details about the child. 

The recalled products include: 

  • WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches; 
  • Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack, and 
  • Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches. 

These brands of applesauce are not sold in Canada. By now, they should have been removed from store shelves in the United States. However, the provincial government notes that some Manitobans may have purchased these products in the United States before the FDA recall. If you have these products at home, throw them away. Following up with your primary care provider is recommended if you have eaten these products. 

Public health officials encourage parents and caregivers to be aware of current food and product recalls in Canada and the United States. Manitobans who routinely shop for food and other products in the United States are encouraged to review current recalls from the FDA or sign up for automatic notifications at https://fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts. For information about the recalled applesauce, visit https://fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wanabana-recalls-wanabana-weis-and-schnucks-apple-cinnamon-fruit-puree-pouches-cinnamon-apple-sauce.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for food recall notices issues in Canada. To view recent recalls and other information, visit https://canada.ca/en/services/health/food-recalls-alerts.html. To subscribe and receive notifications, visit https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/subscribe.

For more information about lead and lead exposure, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/lead/index.html.

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