Ron Simon & Associates Files Second Applesauce Lead Poisoning Lawsuit

HOUSTON — The national food safety law firm of Ron Simon & Associates has filed another lawsuit in the national outbreak of lead poisoning caused by WanaBana applesauce pouches containing cinnamon. This is the first lawsuit filed since Consumer Reports reported the FDA now suspects the "extraordinary high levels of lead found in cinnamon applesauce pouches from WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis may be the result of intentional contamination."

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the one-year old daughter of Josefa Gonzalez, a Texas resident, who was taken to see her physician after suffering both gastrointestinal illness as well as serious developmental indications. Testing revealed highly elevated blood-lead levels. The lawsuit is filed against WanaBana, a Florida corporation, as well as the Dollar Store where her parents regularly purchased the WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce pouches between May and November of 2023.

"It is highly unusual for the FDA to indicate that the poisoning was intentional," said attorney Ron Simon. “We intend to find out how lead levels that are 2,000 times higher than permitted were able to get into this imported product and be placed on our grocery shelves. Our clients, all children, were exposed to an extremely dangerous poison that causes long-term damage. We will be seeking significant compensation for each of the victims, as well as working to make sure this never happens again."

National recalls have been issued for WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs, sold at retailers including Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores, Weis grocery stores, Amazon, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar/Dollar Tree combination stores and other online outlets.

Testing by the FDA confirmed that the cinnamon used in these products was the source of the contamination, and that lead levels have been found to be as much as 2,000 times the acceptable level.

Simon and his law firm have established a Lead Poisoning Claim Center to assist victims in the outbreak. It can be reached at 1-888-335-4901 or at https://www.ronsimonassociates.com/ or https://leadfoodpoisoning.com/.