5 On Your Side: High lead levels found in three major food recalls in September

5 On Your Side reports three major food recalls in September involved high levels of lead. 

On Sept. 12, Wegmans recalled cans of fruit cocktail, halved pears and organic sliced pears, including the following products and codes:

• Wegmans FYFGA Fruit Cocktail 15 oz.
  • UPC: 0-77890-46152-5
  • Lot 6FCB 02 C2206 AND Best if used by 9/1/2027

• Wegmans Halved Pears in Pear Juice 15 oz.
  • UPC: 0-77890-74749-0
  • Lot 6PJ 09 C2295 AND Best if used by 9/1/2027
• Wegmans Organic Sliced Pears 15 oz.
  • UPC: 0-77890-36541-0
  • Lot Number 60PSJ 04 C2893 AND Best if used by 9/1/2027

Lead levels in the products were higher than normal, and customers can return the recalled cans for a full refund.

On Sept. 23, Sprout Organics recalled 3.5 oz. pouches of its sweet potato, apple and spinach baby food due to possible high lead levels.

The affected product was sold mainly at Walgreens and some independent stores. Customers are eligible for a full refund.

Also in September, the Food and Drug Administration advised consumers to throw away 12 brands of ground cinnamon, including Jiva Organic Ground Cinnamon, the 12th cinnamon product recalled because of lead since July 2024. 

Long-term exposure to elevated levels of lead in your diet can have varying effects, but young children are particularly vulnerable and may experience learning disabilities, behavior difficulties and lowered IQ.

Earlier this month, safety tests from Consumer Reports found lead in boba, the ingredient used in bubble tea, from major chains, including Trader Joe's and Wu Fu Yuan.