16 IL Cases Linked To Lead In Applesauce Pouches: IDPH

ILLINOIS — As the recall of cinnamon applesauce pouches linked to high blood lead levels among children continues, there have been at least 16 cases in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and IDPH confirmed Friday that Illinois is among 44 states reporting cases.

Of 422 cases reported nationally, 101 are confirmed, 284 are probable and 37 are suspect cases.

According to the CDC, consumers should follow these guidelines:

• Do not eat any recalled apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them.
• Call your healthcare provider about getting a blood test for lead if you or your children may have consumed recalled products.

It was announced in December that the Food and Drug Administration is investigating elevated lead levels in apple cinnamon applesauce pouches sold under three brands — Weis, WanaBana, and Schnucks — and distributed by Amazon, Dollar Tree and other online retailers.

That same month, Politico reported the applesauce pouches may have been contaminated on purpose. The three recalled applesauce brands were made at an Austrofood plant in Ecuador, where FDA officials continue to focus their investigation. Health officials in Ecuador found that cinnamon from Austrofood's supplier had higher levels of lead than the country allows. According to the FDA, the company, Negasmart, is facing sanctions while officials there track down the source of the cinnamon.

RELATED: Lead In Applesauce In IL Recall May Have Been Intentional: Report

In a Feb. 9 update, the CDC said FDA product testing has also identified high levels of chromium, in addition to lead, in cinnamon samples and recalled applesauce pouch products.

According to the CDC, lead poisoning is extremely dangerous, especially for young children because their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly. The long-term effects of lead poisoning include damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems.