FDA Investigates Lead Contamination in Fruit Pouches Sickening Children

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported an increase in the number of children sickened by apple puree pouches contaminated with lead. The agency has received 52 reports of elevated lead levels among children who consumed the products, up from 34 cases reported last week. The pouches were marketed under three brands and sold by national grocery chains and online retailers. The FDA is working to remove the recalled products from shelves and is investigating the source of the contamination in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lead exposure can cause serious learning and behavior problems, and there is no safe level of lead exposure.