CDC : Tainted Applesauce Pouches Sickens Toddlers

UNITED STATES – U.S. health officials are warning doctors to be on the lookout for possible cases of lead poisoning in children after at least 22 toddlers in 14 states were sickened by lead linked to tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said children ages 1 to 3 were affected, and at least one child showed a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern.

The reported symptoms included headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a change in activity level and anemia.

The illnesses are part of an outbreak tied to recalled pouches of fruit puree marketed to kids from the brands WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée and Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.