"Applesauce Pouches Linked to Lead Poisoning in Over 20 Sick Toddlers, CDC Warns"

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a warning after more than 20 toddlers across 14 states were found to have lead poisoning linked to applesauce pouches. The affected children, aged 1 to 3 years old, had lead levels ranging from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter, exceeding the CDC's benchmark of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. The recalled pouches include WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches, as well as Weis and Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. Parents are advised to discard the recalled pouches and have their children's blood tested for lead if they consumed the recalled food. Long-term lead exposure can have serious health consequences, particularly in children.