The Food and Drug Administration’s report about Dollar Tree revealed that the retailer failed to remove lead-contaminated applesauce pouches from its shelves despite being warned about the dangers.
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These pouches were linked to illnesses in over 500 children, were not effectively recalled, and remained available for purchase for almost two months after the recall was initiated in October 2023. The affected product, Wanabana apple cinnamon pouches distributed by Ecuadorian-based company Negasmart, contained “extremely high” levels of lead and chromium. The discovery led the FDA to place Negasmart under strict import alerts and issue a warning letter to Dollar Tree this month, according to KTSP.
The recalls were initiated after reports surfaced from 44 states, indicating probable or confirmed cases of elevated blood lead levels in children who consumed the pouches. Another report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the outbreak was concluded by April. Although Dollar Tree reportedly claimed to end sales at registers to prevent the purchase of the recalled products, the FDA said their efforts were inadequate.
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This issue was also highlighted when a child consumed applesauce at a store in Washington State before a purchase was made. In response, Dollar Tree announced new initiatives to address recalls to prevent further issues. Negasmart also faces multiple import alerts, preventing their products from being sold in the U.S. market without thorough inspection. The severity of the contamination was underscored by tests revealing that cinnamon from the plant had lead levels more than 2,000 times the maximum limit proposed by the FDA.
The CDC has advised anyone who might have consumed these recalled pouches to seek medical consultation, emphasizing that there is no safe level of lead consumption. Lead exposure is hazardous as it can lead to significant learning and behavioral problems.