Nationwide recall alert: Canned pear products may contain toxic heavy metals
A canned pear slice product is being recalled due to the possibility of it containing elevated levels of lead and cadmium.
W.W. Industrial Group, Inc. of New York initiated the recall for its Parashore Pear Slices in juice, according to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) press release . The product was distributed through grocery outlet stores in California and across the United States.
The pear slices are packaged in 15-ounce cans and labeled "Parashore Pear Slices in Juice," the statement reads. The specific lot found positive for these heavy metals was lot 3700/01172 6122J which was produced on Feb. 19, 2024 with a best-buy date of Feb. 22, 2025.
Lead and cadmium are toxic substances that are present in the environment in small amounts, the FDA wrote. Everyone is exposed to some of these heavy metals from daily actions like inhaling dust, eating food and drinking water.
"In general, the small exposure to lead within the U.S. population does not pose a significant public health concern," the administration explained. "However, exposure to larger amounts of lead and cadmium can cause poisoning."
These heavy metals can affect "nearly every bodily system" but its effects depend on how old the person is, how much was consumed and how long they were exposed to the element.
Symptoms after exposure can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, mood and behavior changes, delirium, seizures and coma, the FDA reported.
When a child or developing fetus is exposed to high amounts of heavy metals, it may not be so obvious that the child has lead poisoning, the administration said. This kind of poisoning can lead to learning disabilities, developmental delays and lower IQ scores.
The heavy metal contamination was found through sampling by the FDA. An investigation to determine the cause is underway.
No illnesses have been reported as of Tuesday. However, consumers who have purchased the pears are told to not eat the food and either toss it in the trash or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
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