When you become a parent the most important thing to you is your child’s success and well-being. As the world moves further into a world filled with unknowns and uncertainties this becomes more difficult. In many cases, the one thing you feel you can trust is well-known food brands and products. Well, that might not be the case, in November of 2023, three brands of applesauce were recalled due to dangerously high levels of lead, specifically the apple cinnamon flavored. These brands were, WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis, the recall was over specifically the cinnamon flavor and variety packs. With children being the most susceptible to the effects of lead poisoning this was a very dangerous mistake made by these companies.
Short-term exposure will only lead to headache; abdominal pain/colic; vomiting; and anemia. But long-term exposure can lead to the prior effects along with irritability; lethargy; fatigue; muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning; constipation; difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness; tremors; and weight loss. While this can have devastating effects on anyone, the effects become more severe for children. Exposure to high concentrations of lead in children can lead to major developmental problems and learning abilities, this is due to nerve and brain damage. Along with this, there were also higher concentrations of Chromium found within the applesauce products. While Chromium is part of the human diet, it is needed in very small amounts and prolonged exposure to Chromium can have devastating effects on people. While the effects of concentrations of chromium are not known well it has been established that there might be negative effects.
With a large majority of children from 9-13 consuming most of their daily fruit requirement through applesauce this could have a major impact on our youth. These high levels of lead and chromium could lead to negative life-changing effects on your child’s life. Some of the major problems would consist of failed development and lowered abilities to think and learn. These changes in their mental and physical abilities could make progress through life. While there are few options for reversing the effects of these harmful chemicals, the best option is to remove these products from your children’s diets and avoid buying these products until further notice. Keeping this in mind, are you willing to trust the food preparation restrictions and guidelines when it comes to your children’s well-being?
