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.

Three-Car Crash Detours Traffic In Lower Macungie

A three-car collision in Lower Macungie on the morning of November 7 caused traffic detours in the area. State police were called to the intersection of Lower Macungie Road and Cedar Crest Boulevard around 8:20 a.m. Emergency response teams, including fire and EMS units, also arrived at the scene.

During the cleanup, traffic was redirected to Riverbend Road for a short period. Authorities confirmed that the road was reopened by 9:45 a.m. However, there is no information available from the police regarding injuries sustained in the accident.

Emmaus Comes Up Just Shy Against Council Rock

In the opening round of the PIAA boys soccer playoffs, Emmaus' strong second-half effort couldn't erase the deficit as Council Rock North secured a 2-1 victory at Emmaus High School's Memorial Field. Initially trailing 2-0, Emmaus came alive in the second half, with senior Ryan Kiernan expressing their determination to win. Despite Kiernan's goal, Emmaus couldn't find the equalizer.

Council Rock North, the fifth seed from District 1, capitalized on goals by Logan Adams and Ari Pollock's penalty kick. Emmaus, the No. 1 seed from District 11, fought hard but couldn't break through Council Rock North's defense. Council Rock North now advances to face La Salle College High School in the 4A quarterfinals.

Reflecting on the match, Emmaus coach John Cari acknowledged their slow start in the first half but commended the team's relentless effort in the second half. Despite the loss, Emmaus celebrated their 19th District 11 title and the dedication of their graduating seniors, including top scorer Kiernan. Cari praised his team's hard work and expressed pride in their achievements, emphasizing the team's strong bond and determination throughout the season.

Emmaus Narrowly Clinches Victory Against Methacton in Overtime

In a thrilling Class 3A matchup at Emmaus High School’s Memorial Field, senior standout Melea Weber, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference MVP, refused to let her stellar scholastic career end in the opening round of the PIAA postseason. With 7:33 remaining in overtime, Weber scored her 100th career goal, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for the powerhouse Emmaus field hockey team against Methacton.

Trailing 2-1, Emmaus mounted a comeback, equalizing the score with 5:39 left in regulation. Senior Sarah Schaffer capitalized on a third chance, slotting the ball into the cage after two defensive saves. The Green Hornets, who had been outplayed earlier, intensified their offensive efforts in the final moments of regulation and overtime, leading to Weber's decisive goal.

Emmaus (23-1) advances to the 4A quarterfinal round to face District 2 champion Wyoming Valley West, following their 2-1 win over Boyertown. Coach Sue Butz-Stavin's team displayed resilience, rallying in the fourth quarter and overtime to overcome Methacton's challenge.

Methacton (19-5-1), the No. 5 seed from District 1, showcased a solid performance, notably excelling in the third period. They received goals from Elena Weychert and Lea DeWan, demonstrating their competitive spirit.

Senior captain Emma Cari played a pivotal role in goal for Emmaus, making crucial saves throughout the match, including steering away several scoring chances in the third period and three shots in a rapid 20-second sequence in the first period. Cari's exceptional performance contributed to Emmaus's hard-fought victory, marking their third consecutive win over Methacton in the state postseasons of 2023, 2022, and 2021.

Emmaus Spotlight Polls

Really?

Q: Why do pizzerias offer anchovies, if nobody orders them?

A: When the dish was first developed, in Naples during the late 18th century, anchovies made an ideal topping—they were cheap, plentiful, and could be preserved almost indefinitely in oil and salt. When the first wave of Italian immigrants came to the U.S. in the late 1800s, they brought pizza with them. In the 1910s, as Anglo-Americans began to sample the exotic food, pizzerias started catering to local tastes, offering toppings like vegetables and pork, which crowded out the anchovy. Today it seems that pizzerias persist in offering them more out of nostalgia.

Groan a Bit

What did the horse say after it tripped?
Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t giddyup!

Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl going to the bathroom?
Because the “P” is silent.

What do you call a well-balanced horse?
Stable.

What do you call an angry carrot?
A steamed veggie.

Where do polar bears keep their money?
In a snowbank.

How do you make an egg-roll?
You push it!

What would bears be without bees?
Ears.

Why do cows wear bells?
Because their horns don’t work.

November 09