Many companies in the US recall fruit products suspected of being contaminated with lead.

More US companies have announced recalls of fruit products at risk of containing high levels of lead as federal officials expand an investigation into the risk of lead contamination in food.

Over the weekend, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said seven people in at least five states reported feeling ill after eating pureed fruit products suspected of being contaminated with lead.

Following the announcement, two food manufacturers, Schnucks Markets in St. Louis and Weis Markets in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, recalled some cinnamon-flavored applesauce products due to concerns about high lead levels.

Previously, WanaBana company in Coral Gables, Florida, also announced a recall of all batches of cinnamon apple puree.

The FDA warns that ingesting lead-contaminated products can cause “acute poisoning.” Short-term lead poisoning can cause symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia. The agency advises parents and caregivers not to buy or feed the recalled apple cider vinegar products to children.

The products are distributed by a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree, and at Schnucks Markets and Eatwell Markets stores.

The FDA recommends that children and adults who have used these products be tested for lead poisoning.

The investigation began in North Carolina, where health officials received reports of four children showing signs of lead poisoning after eating WanaBana products. State health officials analyzed several shipments and found “extremely high” levels of lead in samples. The FDA later confirmed those results.

The FDA is investigating the cluster of lead poisonings with assistance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health agencies.

Minh Hoa (reported by Thanh Nien, Vietnam+)

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