Dollar Tree Knowingly Left Recalled Food on Store Shelves, According to the FDA

In November, Food & Wine reported on the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recall of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products under the brand names WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack, and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.

The three affected products were sold in stores across the U.S. and available online, and, per the FDA announcement, were sold at “multiple retailers including Amazon, Dollar Tree, and other online outlets.” At the time, the FDA added that it is aware the recalled product is still available at “several Dollar Tree stores in multiple states,” but that it should not be available, nor should consumers purchase it. And now, the FDA is reporting that Dollar Tree "knowingly" left those products out for sale for weeks.

"On October 29, 2023, Wanabana USA initiated a voluntary recall of all WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches. As a consignee of the recalled products, Dollar Tree Inc. (Dollar Tree or you) was notified in writing, on October 29, 2023, of Wanabana USA’s voluntary recall of Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches. Subsequent recall audit checks of your Dollar Tree and Family Dollar/Dollar Tree combination stores (collectively referred to as your 'Dollar Tree stores') revealed that you continued to offer the recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches on store shelves well after the recall was initiated, despite FDA’s numerous attempts to bring this serious issue to your attention," the FDA wrote in a warning letter to Dollar Tree. 

According to the letter, there were "multiple reports" from state and local partners of the recalled products staying on store shelves, which led to the FDA initiating a Recall Audit Check (RAC) to determine if the stores were following recall instructions. 

"Based on FDA’s review of the RAC data from state and local partners, the agency determined that, through December 19, 2023, the recall was ineffective at the retail level due to Dollar Tree’s failure to adequately remove the recalled product from Dollar Tree store shelves." 

It added, "Despite numerous attempts to bring this serious issue to your attention, your firm continued to offer adulterated Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches on store shelves, leaving children at risk of exposure to these adulterated products." 

In response to the letter, Dollar Tree shared in an email with the Associated Press that it's operating under new management but is taking steps to shore up its recall process “for quickly and effectively executing product recalls.” 

This means, once again, that consumers should check their fridges and pantries to ensure they do not have any of the affected products still lingering in their homes. If they do, the FDA says to discard them immediately, as consuming elevated levels of lead can lead to short-term effects like headaches and vomiting or long-term effects like muscle weakness, weight loss, and learning disabilities in children. Find the original recall here for product reference numbers and additional information.