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Read about North Carolina's swift response to a lead contamination crisis that led to a nationwide recall of contaminated fruit puree, showcasing the importance of collaboration in protecting children's health.
A Public Health Triumph: North Carolina's Fight Against Lead in Children's Food
In North Carolina, a coordinated effort to monitor childhood blood lead levels (BLLs) led to a nationwide recall of contaminated fruit puree products and significant public health interventions. Under state law, all BLL test results for children under six must be reported to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). In 2023, routine testing revealed several young children with high BLLs at or above 5 micrograms per deciliter, but initial environmental investigations failed to identify sources of lead exposure. This prompted local and state environmental health specialists to conduct further investigations.
Additional inquiries uncovered that some affected children had consumed WanaBana fruit puree pouches. Subsequent testing by the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed that certain pouches contained lead levels exceeding the level at which NC reports to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [≥1 part per million (ppm) for most spices and foods], with samples at the initial three households reaching concentrations as high as 3.0 ppm. The NCDHHS promptly notified the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the FDA, leading to a nationwide public health advisory. Following this alert, WanaBana USA issued a voluntary recall on October 30, 2023, which was later expanded to include other cinnamon-containing apple purees.
The collaborative efforts among local, state, and federal officials identified over 550 cases of lead exposure across the country, including 22 total cases in North Carolina. After the recall and intervention measures were implemented, follow-up testing indicated a decline in BLLs among affected children in North Carolina. These efforts were covered nationally in numerous print and television media outlets, including publication in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and the Association of Public Health Laboratories' Lab Matters. Ultimately, this case highlights the critical importance of routine surveillance and strong partnerships between healthcare providers and public health agencies in swiftly addressing lesser-known lead exposure risks for vulnerable populations.