The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is putting out the word that WanaBana Brand Apple Cinnamon Puree Fruit pouches may look and sound inviting, but the puree inside is not something you should be putting in your mouth or your baby’s mouth.
The warning from the state came after the US Food and Drug Administration released an advisory warning for consumers not to buy or feed the contents from WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches to toddlers and young children because the product may contain elevated levels of lead.
This announcement came after a joint investigation by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, county health departments in the state, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the FDA.
NCDHHS officials identified WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches as “a potential shared source of exposure following several cases of elevated blood lead levels in children in the western part of the state.”
NCDHHS studied multiple lots of the product and found “extremely high” concentrations of lead in this puree.
The FDA reviewed the research and supported the findings from NCDHHS. The FDA has issued a voluntary recall of all WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches regardless of the lot code or expiration date.
The pouches are sold nationally and are available through many different outlets including Sam’s Club, Amazon and Dollar Tree.
WanaBana has agreed to voluntarily recall all of these fruit puree pouches regardless of expiration.
State health officials say not to feed it to your child and also don’t eat it yourself.
They instruct those who find it in their homes to toss it in the trash.
The state didn’t comment on other flavors such as Mango & Banana.
Wanabana markets its fruit puree as very healthy using “only 100 percent natural fruit and the best flavors selections,” adding: “With no added sugar or preservatives, this gluten-free snack is ideal for the whole family. Just open and enjoy at any time…The fruit puree is in BPA-free packaging and the shelf life is approximately 12 months.”
And then there’s this as well: “About 10 years ago, WanaBana decided to invest in a land with great production characteristics located at the Ecuadorian Coast, in the Province of Esmeraldas. The result is a product that not only maintains the fruit’s organoleptic and nutritional characteristics, but also carry a production line with the highest standard in the market, evidence in the certifications obtained year after year.”
Wouldn’t eat anything I can’t see what it is, or anything that has been processed the modern way. Most pre-packaged food isn’t food.
Just eat a banana! Or go bananas.