From Fortune Media:

Hundreds of U.S. children exposed to lead poisoning from WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the pouch contained a high level of toxic chemical element known as chromium, in addition to lead. The factory where the pouches were manufactured is located in Ecuador.

Bleak statistics: 287 cases of lead poisoning have been reported from 37 states. At least one adult has reported high levels of lead in his blood after consuming the pouches. Those sickened are 1 year old on average.

Chromium is a naturally occurring element with traces normally found in the human diet. There are two types of chromium: one is safe and the other is carcinogenic. The lead-to-chromium ratio found in the factory is consistent with lead chromate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized that there is no safe level of lead consumption and advised anyone who consumed the pouches to reach out to a health care provider.

Recalled pouches were sold at Dollar Tree stores and online as well as in Schnucks and Weis stores. These may still be in consumer’s homes. The CDC encourages consumers to discard them.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. Bear in mind that the AP is solely responsible for all content.



Read more: Applesauce pouches linked to lead poisoning had another toxic chemical, FDA says