Dollar Tree Stores Could Be In Hot Water Regarding Recall

DOLLAR TREE COULD BE IN HOT WATER

Dollar Tree stores may be in hot water for not complying with the US Food and Drug Administration for not removing applesauce products that have been recalled due to contamination with heavy metals.

WANABANA APPLE CINNAMON FRUIT POUCHES

WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches were recalled in October of last year when it was discovered that the pouches could contain 'elevated levels of lead.' Samples that were tested in other states found 'extremely high concentrations' of it, after four cases of suspected lead poisoning in children. Other fruit pouches that have also been named in the recall but have had no reports or incidents include Schnuck's Applesauce Pouches with Cinnamon and Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce pouches.

CHROMIUM

Chromium was also discovered in samples of the recalled pouches. In a recent update to the investigation, the FDA says that they recently sent a warning letter to Doller Tree, Inc. because the company didn't act quickly enough to take the products off the shelves when the recall was originally made.

The FDA update said:

“In the weeks and months following the manufacturer's voluntary recall of apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, public health officials across many states reported continuing to see recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches on Dollar Tree store. The Agency is concerned with Dollar Tree's capability to quickly remove unsafe products from its store shelves as necessary and as required during a public health threat, such as a recall.”

The CDC says that there is No safe blood lead level. Low levels of metal can seriously impact the health of children. Another major issue is that the symptoms are not immediate, but can later lead to brain damage and learning disabilities.

Symptoms of short-term lead poisoning include:

• headaches
• abdominal pain
• colic
• vomiting
• anemia

Long-term lead poisoning exposure symptoms include:

• irritability
• lethargy
• fatigue
• muscle aches
• muscle prickling/burning
• constipation
• difficulty concentrating
• tremors
• weight loss

The FDA is urging consumers to check their food supplies to make sure they do not have these applesauce pouches in their homes and recommends that consumers dispose of them if found. If any of your family members have been exposed, it is recommended that you notify your healthcare provider.