DHEC uncovers lead-tainted applesauce pouches in 10 S.C. stores
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WMBF) – South Carolina’s health department is investigating cases of lead exposure from cinnamon applesauce pouches that are mostly eaten by children.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control began investigating in November when the FDA issued a recall for several brands of cinnamon applesauce pouches which include:
- WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches (sold nationally)
- Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches (sold in Midwest states)
- Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches (sold in Mid-Atlantic states)
DHEC’s Rapid Response Team then notified over 20,000 food stores in South Carolina about the recall and requested that they be taken off shelves.
The WanaBana brand of cinnamon applesauce pouches were primarily distributed by the Dollar Tree store chain in South Carolina.
The DHEC Rapid Response Team visited more than 130 Dollar Tree stores and located recalled pouches in at least 10 of the stores.
Below are the stores where the WanaBana cinnamon applesauce was found after the recall:
- 1293 Fraser Street Georgetown SC 29440
- 9180 Ocean Highway Pawleys Island SC 29585
- 170 Station Dr Anderson, SC 29621
- 529 Hampton Ave., Pickens, SC 29671
- 2225 E Main St. Spartanburg, SC 29307
- 3100 Broad River Road Columbia SC 29210
- 547 Saint Andrews Road Columbia SC 29210
- 2724 Decker Boulevard Columbia SC 29206
- 10050 Two Notch Rd Columbia SC 29223
- 101 William Clark Boulevard Santee, SC 29142
The pouches were removed from the stores immediately and DHEC notified the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) which regulates the wholesale distribution of food in the state.
SCDA staff visited the Dollar Tree distribution center and learned that 157 cases were sent to stores after the recall. The distribution was immediately halted.
DHEC is also working closely with the families of three children who consumed the WanaBana cinnamon applesauce pouches and had blood lead levels test above normal.
Children with lead exposure often don’t have any symptoms and can only be confirmed through a blood test.
Parents and caregivers of children who may have consumed the tainted applesauce should contact the child’s doctor about getting a blood test for lead.
Families and doctors with questions can contact DHEC at 1-866-466-5323.
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