Expansion of Fruit Pouch Recall in Pennsylvania Amid Rising Illness Cases

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning parents and caregivers against purchasing or feeding specific fruit puree and applesauce products to children due to the possibility of elevated lead levels. The FDA has received reports of at least seven individuals nationwide falling ill after consuming these products; however, none of these cases have been reported in Pennsylvania.

The recall now encompasses WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, available at various national retailers, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches, sold at Weis grocery stores. Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who might have consumed these items are encouraged to consult their child's doctor regarding a blood-lead test.

WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are distributed nationally and can be found at retailers such as Sam’s Club, Amazon, and Dollar Tree. Weis Markets, based in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, has multiple stores in the state, including locations in Whitehall, Macungie, Perkasie, and Bethlehem.

The FDA issued this advisory following an investigation by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), triggered by four children with lead poisoning after consuming the pouches. High lead concentrations were identified in several lots of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree during the NCDHHS analysis, a finding supported by the FDA, indicating potential acute toxicity at these levels. The investigation is ongoing and also involves Schnucks brand applesauce pouches and a variety pack, available at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores.

Lead is toxic and can harm individuals regardless of age or health condition. Children exposed to lead may not display immediate symptoms, making detection challenging. Health officials recommend consulting a child's doctor for a blood test if there is suspicion of lead exposure. Clinical testing is necessary for a definitive lead diagnosis, as symptoms vary based on exposure duration.

Short-term lead exposure may result in symptoms like headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia. Long-term exposure can lead to irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, difficulty concentrating, tremors, and weight loss. Further details, including the product recall announcement, can be found on the FDA’s website.

10 Most Expensive Homes Sold in Lehigh County,
Oct. 30 - Nov. 5

10. $620K, condominium at 4352 Colonial Lane
The 2,579 square-foot condominium at 4352 Colonial Lane, Center Valley, has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in October and the total purchase price was $620,000, $240 per square foot.

9. $667K, single-family house at 2141 Beechwood Street
The sale of the single-family residence at 2141 Beechwood Street, Orefield, has been finalized. The price was $667,000, and the house changed hands in October. The house was built in 1998 and has a living area of 2,432 square feet. The price per square foot was $274.

8. $675K, detached house at 1129 Greenleaf Circle
The 3,691 square-foot single-family home at 1129 Greenleaf Circle in Allentown has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in October and the total purchase price was $675,000, $183 per square foot. The house was built in 1994.

7. $680K, single-family home at 1585 Greystone Street
The property at 1585 Greystone Street in Allentown has new owners. The price was $680,000. The house was built in 1997 and has a living area of 3,373 square feet. The price per square foot is $202. The deal was finalized on Oct. 27.

6. $680K, single-family residence at 5002 Farmview Drive
The property at 5002 Farmview Drive in Schnecksville has new owners. The price was $680,000. The house was built in 2000 and has a living area of 3,044 square feet. The price per square foot is $223.

5. $689K, single-family home at 5525 Skyline Drive
The sale of the single-family residence at 5525 Skyline Drive in Schnecksville has been finalized. The price was $689,000, and the new owners took over the house in October. The house was built in 2006 and has a living area of 3,208 square feet. The price per square foot was $215.

4. $735K, single-family house at 6407 Winding Road
A sale has been finalized for the detached house at 6407 Winding Road in Coopersburg. The price was $735,000 and the new owners took over the house in October. The house was built in 1850 and the living area totals 2,609 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $282.

3. $800K, detached house at 7461 Stein Road
The 2,282 square-foot single-family residence at 7461 Stein Road in Zionsville has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in October and the total purchase price was $800,000, $351 per square foot. The house was built in 1996. The deal was finalized on Oct. 20.

2. $830K, single-family residence at 6407 Overlook Road
The property at 6407 Overlook Road in Orefield has new owners. The price was $830,000. The house was built in 2002 and has a living area of 3,148 square feet. The price per square foot is $264.

1. $900K, single-family home at 6022 Patrick Lane
A sale was finalized for the single-family home at 6022 Patrick Lane in Coopersburg. The price was $900,000 the new owners took over the house in October. The house was built in 2007 and the living area totals 4,909 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $183.

The Innocence Advocacy Group Highlights Untested DNA Evidence in Effort to Clear Patricia Rorrer of Her Alleged Involvement in the Katrinak Murders.

Following a hearing this week to challenge evidence that was used to convict Patricia Rorrer for a 1994 double murder, a Seattle innocence organization is in the Lehigh Valley to show its support and show why it thinks she’s innocent — including three pieces of evidence that weren’t tested for DNA.

Michael Heavy, a retired judge from Washington state who is co-founder and CEO of Judges for Justice, said Rorrer has faced an uphill battle since she was first accused of murdering Catasauqua mother Joann Katrinak and her infant son Alex in 1994. She was convicted in Lehigh County Court in 1998 on the strength of DNA and circumstantial evidence.

“Once you tell somebody they’re arrested, the whole defamation and demonization that comes down on these people is just unbelievable,” Heavy said Tuesday morning during a news conference at a hotel in Upper Macungie Township. “I can’t imagine suffering through that, and I give Patty props for being able to do that. I think she would say ‘well, I don’t have any other choice.’ ”
Heavy has said that he thinks Rorrer will be released by the end of 2024.

Rorrer, who was the ex-girlfriend of Joann’s husband, Andrew, is contesting her conviction based on handwritten notes from an analyst indicating hairs recovered from Katrinak’s car and linked to Rorrer were naturally blond and not chemically treated. Rorrer’s hair had been dyed blonde. Rorrer contends the notes are exculpatory and were not made available to her defense before trial.

Since her conviction, Rorrer has returned to court several times for unsuccessful appeals. Grassroots efforts have sprung up over the years to free her along with articles and documentaries about the case.

Judges for Justice, which has freed four wrongfully convicted men in three states in recent years, has produced an eight-part documentary — “Is Patty Rorrer Innocent” — that is available at the organization’s website, www.judgesforjustice.org. The first two episodes are available, with the third installment due out this month and the rest of the series scheduled to be released in the spring.

During Monday’s five-hour hearing before Judge Douglas Reichley, witnesses that included Rorrer’s defense attorney, the prosecutor, and an FBI analyst who worked the case, said they had trouble recalling some specific details from the trial that took place 25 years ago, including whether raw notes were provided to the defense. Attorneys will await the filing of the testimony and then have a period of time to draft and file responses. Reichley said the next court action will likely come in the spring.

Parkland’s Trey Tremba and Emmaus’ Mario Landino voted MVPs

In the upcoming District 11 6A football semifinal between Parkland and Emmaus on Friday night, fans can expect a showdown between two standout players. Trey Tremba, the offensive MVP from Parkland, and Landino, the defensive MVP from Emmaus, are set to clash on the field.

Tremba, representing the Trojans, earned the title of South Division offensive MVP for his exceptional performance throughout the season. He led the EPC South in rushing, accumulating an impressive 1,516 yards and scoring 22 touchdowns. In addition to his rushing prowess, he showcased his versatility by catching 25 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns. Tremba also made an impact on special teams, returning a punt for a touchdown.

On the defensive side, Landino, a James Madison commit, was rightfully chosen as the South Division's defensive MVP. He has been a force to be reckoned with, amassing 97 tackles, including 20 tackles for losses and three sacks. Landino also demonstrated his ability to create turnovers with a forced fumble and recovery, making him a key player for the Green Hornets.

These players' outstanding contributions to their respective teams have earned them well-deserved recognition, setting the stage for an exciting matchup between Parkland and Emmaus.

Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Wins NL Gold Glove

Zack Wheeler, the starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, emerged as the sole winner among the four finalists for the 2023 Gold Glove Award. He outperformed his teammate Taijuan Walker to secure the prestigious accolade. Unfortunately, the other Phillies contenders, catcher J.T. Realmuto, and second baseman Bryson Stott, did not clinch the award.

In the 2023 season, Wheeler displayed exceptional fielding skills with a remarkable .969 fielding percentage. He recorded 15 assists and only one charged error in 192 innings, contributing significantly to his team's defensive efforts. Wheeler's achievement marks him as the fourth Phillies pitcher to receive this honor, joining the ranks of Jim Kaat (1976-77), Steve Carlton (1981), and Bobby Shantz (1964).

Emmaus Spotlight Polls

Tips:

• Having trouble getting a key on a tight metal key ring? Use a staple remover to pry it apart and hold it open.

• Rub a walnut (the nut, not the shell) on small dings and dents in wooden furniture to make them disappear.

• To prevent your kid from falling out of bed, put a foam pool-noodle under the fitted sheet to make a bed bumper.

• To cut open plastic “blister” packages, try using a can opener.

• Sprinkle cayenne pepper on plants to keep squirrels from nibbling them. It won’t affect the plants.

• To remove soap and mildew buildup from a shower head, tie a vinegar-filled baggie around it and leave overnight. (But don’t forget to remove it before you shower.)

Groan a Bit

• I used to run a dating service for chickens, but I was struggling to make hens meet.

• My wife told me to stop acting like a flamingo, so I had to put my foot down.

• I tried to catch fog yesterday. Mist.

• Why don't sharks eat clowns? Because they taste funny.

• What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? A stick.

• Why don’t we see elephants hiding in trees? Because they’re really good at it.

November 08