7: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. The affected products, WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches, were sold in stores and online, including Dollar Tree and Amazon.

The outbreak of lead poisoning in children has prompted the recall of products from the brands WanaBana and Schnucks and Weis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning to paediatric physicians across America, highlighting the potential cases of lead poisoning in children associated with a specific brand of pouches containing cinnamon apple puree and applesauce.

According to The Associated Press, at least 22 toddlers between the ages of one to three have fallen ill due to lead exposure from these products. The CDC has expressed concern as one of the affected minors showed a blood lead level eight times higher than the level considered alarming. The identified illnesses are part of an outbreak traced back to the recalled fruit puree pouches marketed by WanaBana and cinnamon applesauce pouches sold by Schnucks and Weis.

These products were widely available, both in stores and online, making them easily accessible to consumers. Dollar Tree stores and Amazon were among the retailers stocking these products. However, following the health concerns, the companies are working to determine the source of contamination that led to the lead poisoning cases.

Lead exposure is a serious health hazard, with no safe level of exposure identified by the CDC. Nevertheless, the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher than average lead levels. In this outbreak, the affected children's blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

The reported cases of lead poisoning have been documented in 14 states across the country, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. The affected children exhibited various symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in activity levels, and anemia. It is important to note that some children may be affected without showing any noticeable symptoms.

Parents and caregivers who suspect that their children may have consumed these recalled products are strongly urged to have their children's lead levels tested. Minors under the age of six are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure due to their rapidly developing bodies being more susceptible to the absorption of lead.

The contamination of food products with heavy metals like lead can occur through various means, including soil, air, water, and industrial processes. The American Academy of Pediatrics also highlights other sources of lead exposure, such as paint in homes built before 1978, certain foods, cosmetics, imported medication, and contaminated products. The long-term consequences of lead exposure can lead to severe learning and behavioral problems in children.

As the investigation continues, health officials advise caution and vigilance in monitoring children's exposure to potential sources of lead in order to prevent further cases of lead poisoning.