5 cases of childhood lead poisoning in Mo. linked to recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches, DHSS says

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KFVS) - The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported five lead poisoning cases in children in the state linked to recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches.

According to a release from DHSS, it and local public health agencies are working to ensure the products are not available for sale in Missouri. Because the products have a long shelf life, parents and caregivers should ensure the products found in homes and facilities are discarded immediately.

You can click here for more information on the recall.

Lead is toxic to children. According to the release, children under 6 and pregnant women are the highest risk groups for severe lead poisoning illness. Most children do not show obvious immediate symptoms. However, short-term exposure of high concentrations of lead could cause symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia. Long-term exposure of high levels could result in irritability, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, brain fog, tremors, weight loss, behavioral loss and lowered IQ.