Dollar General CEO receives warning about stocking recalled WanaBana apple puree productÂ
FDA photo.
Product recalled due to high lead levels
On June 11, 2024, a warning letter was sent to Rick Dreiling, the Chief Executive Officer of Dollar Tree, Inc. by the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), United States, informing him that a product that had been recalled on October 29, 2023 - WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches - had been found on store shelves in Dollar Tree and Family Dollar/Dollar Tree combination stores.
The letter detailed numerous correspondences with the company, yet government agencies continued to receive numerous complaints of the product still being on store shelves; Recall Audit Checks (RACs) had confirmed this. The letter gave the company14 days after receipt of the letter to respond to it, or else legal action would be taken against the company.
Testing had shown that the recalled product contained "extremely high concentrations of lead." Short term exposure to lead, most harmful to children under the age of 6, could result in headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia. Longer term exposure could result in irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches, muscle prickling or burning sensations, constipation, difficulty concentrating. muscular weakness, tremors, and weight loss.
Three brands were recalled in the October 29, 2023 recall
• WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches:
All lots and expiration dates
• Schnucks Cinnamon Apple Sauce Pouches:
Lot numbers/expiration dates: 05023:19, 09023:22, and 09023:24
• Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce Pouches:
Lot number/expiration date: 05023:28
Lead is toxic to humans at any age, but is most harmful to children less than 6 years of age. Most children exposed to lead may not have immediate symptoms. Parents should contact their child’s health care provider if their child may have been exposed to lead.
If you are in possession of a product included in the recall, immediately discontinue the use of the product and discard it.
Consumers with questions can email the company at support@wanabanafruits.com.
Floridians with questions about lead exposure should contact their health care provider, Florida Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or county health department.