This comes after the agency received 52 reports of children with elevated lead levels who consumed the product. The reported cases have increased from 34 last week, spanning across 22 states and involving children between the ages of 1 and 4.

The apple puree pouches were marketed under three brands: WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree, Schnucks, and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches. These products were sold through national grocery chains, including Dollar Tree, as well as online retailers like Amazon.

Efforts are currently underway to remove the recalled products from shelves in several states in collaboration with Dollar Tree. The FDA is conducting an investigation, in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to determine the source of the lead contamination. Initial findings suggest that cinnamon imported from Ecuador may be the likely source.

Lead exposure poses a significant health risk, especially to children. The CDC utilizes a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher lead levels. In this case, the affected children's blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

The FDA urges consumers who have purchased or are in possession of the affected apple puree pouches to refrain from consuming them and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The agency continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.

It is crucial for parents and caregivers to stay informed and be vigilant about the products they provide to young children. Regularly checking for product recalls and following official advisories can help minimize potential health risks.