Five Missouri children poisoned by lead in applesauce pouches

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Five Missouri children have been poisoned by lead from recalled applesauce pouches, state health authorities said Wednesday.

The department didn't identify the children but said the cases were found as part of the FDA's investigation that started Nov. 2. The FDA expanded the recall of Wana-Bana Apple Cinnamon Puree Pouches sold nationwide through Amazon, Dollar Tree and other retailers after about two weeks.

The recalled products were also sold in Schnucks stores.

Lead is toxic to humans and especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Long-term symptoms of lead exposure include behavioral and cognitive problems.

Anyone who has the products should throw them away, state health officials said.

More than 200 cases of lead poisoning linked to the pouches are under investigation in 33 states, the CDC says.