Southwest Montana News

Federal, state, and local officials are calling on residents of Montana to inspect their homes, child care facilities, and schools for specific recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce or apple puree products. These products have been linked to potential lead poisoning risks and should be discarded immediately.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) advises medical providers to remain vigilant for cases of lead poisoning in children who may have consumed the affected products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported 57 adverse events connected to these tainted pouches across 26 states as of November 30, 2023.

According to both the FDA and DPHHS, these recalled items were previously available at 19 Dollar Tree stores throughout Montana but have since been removed from all locations within the state. The products are also sold nationally through various retailers such as Amazon and other online platforms. At least one online purchase has been documented in Montana.

Although Montana is not among the states with confirmed cases reported by the FDA, DPHHS along with local public health officials are investigating four instances where children exhibited elevated blood lead levels after consuming the recalled items.

“These products have a long shelf life, so consumers are advised to check their homes and discard these products,” stated Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek, a Public Health Physician at DPHHS. “If you think your child may have consumed recalled fruit pouches, you should talk to your child’s health care provider about getting a blood test for lead.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider any level of lead exposure unsafe but use a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter as an indicator for higher than normal blood lead levels in children.

Symptoms related to this outbreak include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in activity level, and anemia. Cook-Shimanek emphasized that children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning due to their developing nervous systems. Even low levels of exposure can impact learning, behavior, and cognitive functions despite an absence of acute symptoms.