(AP) U.S. health officials are warning doctors to be on the lookout for possible cases of lead poisoning in children after at least 22 toddlers in 14 states were sickened by lead linked to tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce.

Children ages 1 to 3 were affected, and at least one child showed a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.

There’s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

The reported symptoms included headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a change in activity level and anemia.

The illnesses are part of an outbreak tied to recalled pouches of fruit puree marketed to kids from the brands WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches. The products were sold in stores and online.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) says the affected product information is as follows:

  • WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree in 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz
  • Schnucks Apple Sauce 90g pouches with cinnamon, lot numbers 05023:19, 09023:22 and 09023:24
  • Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce 90g, lot number 05023:28

The FDA says consumers who have purchased the products with the specified batch numbers are urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

The FDA says the impacted product was also sold under the label Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce 90g, lot number 05023:28. Courtesy: FDA
The recall also includes Schnucks Apple Sauce 90g pouches with cinnamon, lot numbers 05023:19, 09023:22 and 09023:24. Courtesy: FDA
The products were sold in stores and online. Courtesy: FDA via AP, File

Parents and caregivers should not buy or serve the products, and kids who may have eaten them should be tested for lead levels.

Children who are affected may show no symptoms, experts said.

Lead exposure can lead to serious learning and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The CDC said there were cases in the following states as of Nov. 7: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.

Consumers with questions can email the company at support@wanabanafruits.com.