WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced
further steps following the investigation of lead and chromium in apple cinnamon
fruit puree pouches, which were recalled earlier, prompted by findings of
elevated blood lead levels in children.

The agency now said a warning letter was issued to retailer Dollar Tree, Inc. as
it failed to adequately remove recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree
pouches from its store shelves. The move is part of the agency's ongoing
post-incident response activities.

The FDA has also placed Negasmart, doing business as Sanchez Obando Alexander
Ricardo, the distributor of the cinnamon used in the contaminated applesauce
products, on multiple import alerts.

In addition, the FDA, following the recall of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit
puree pouch and its investigation, added Austrofood S.A.S., the manufacturer of
the apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, to import alert.

The agency said it has completed the initial response activities to investigate
the source of the contamination and prevent additional illnesses, while it is
continuing to explore prevention, compliance, and surveillance activities going
forward.

It was in October last year that WanaBana USA called back all lots of WanaBana
Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches due to reports of four illnesses caused by
elevated levels of lead.

WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree in 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz. were
distributed nationwide through online and retail stores. WanaBana trade channels
included Dollar Tree and Amazon, and they were also distributed independently in
the US as private label brands of Schnucks and Weis.

The FDA now noted that in the weeks and months that followed the recall, public
health officials across many states reported continuing to see recalled WanaBana
apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches on Dollar Tree store shelves.

Noting that the retailers play a crucial role in carrying out the recall, the
agency expressed its concern with Dollar Tree's capability to quickly remove
unsafe products from its store shelves as necessary and as required during a
public health threat, such as a recall. The company has been asked to respond
within 15 days of receipt of the warning letter, stating the specific steps it
has taken to address any violations and prevent the recurrence of violations,
among others.

Further, Negasmart/Sanchez Obando Alexander Ricardo was placed on import alerts
regarding products that appear to be adulterated for economic gain, as well as
for products that are contaminated with heavy metals and appear to be
adulterated.

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