FDA warns Dollar Tree for Failure to Recall applesauce from its stores

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter to Dollar Tree Inc. for its non-compliance in withdrawing recall applesauce pouches, which have been linked to an outbreak of lead poisoning among children.

At the time of the product recall, the company did not properly remove the recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches from its store shelves.

Following the manufacturer’s voluntary recall of apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, public health officials in multiple states observed instances, where recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, remained on Dollar Tree store shelves. This information was reported in an outbreak update by the Food and Drug Administration.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that children in 44 states experienced probable or confirmed cases of elevated blood lead levels after consuming the applesauce pouches intended for kids. The outbreak was officially declared concluded in April.

Last week, officials from the FDA issued a warning letter to Dollar Tree Inc., notifying them that WanaBana apple puree products were still available on store shelves in multiple states until late December, despite being informed of the recall two months prior.

Although the Chesapeake, Virginia-based company claimed to have prohibited sales of the products at registers, the FDA considered this action as ineffective, citing an incident where a child in Washington state consumed a recalled fruit pouch in the store before an attempted purchase.

On Tuesday, Dollar Tree officials announced via email that the company is now under new management and is implementing measures to strengthen its procedures for the quick and efficient execution of product recalls.

With over 16,000 discount stores across 48 states, the company is committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers.

Anyone who consumed the recalled pouches should consult with a healthcare provider, the CDC said. There is no safe level of lead consumption, which can cause serious learning and behavior problems, the agency highlighted.

The FDA has not received any indication that Negasmart or Sanchez Obando Alexander Ricardo is trying to import products. However, the implementation of import alerts will help ensure that any potential attempts by the firm to import products will be detected by FDA reviewers before any shipments enter the U.S. market.

Considering the WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouch recall and subsequent FDA investigation, Austrofood S.A.S., the manufacturer of the recalled product, has been included in Import Alert 99-42.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides backing to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. It is important to note that the AP retains full responsibility for all published content.

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