W.W. Industrial Group Inc. of New York is recalling Parashore Pear Slices in juice because government testing has shown them to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead and cadmium.
The product was distributed through Grocery Outlet stores across the United States.
The recalled product is packaged in a 15-ounce can and labeled as PARASHORE Pear Slices in Juice, UPC#704817164237. The specific lot found positive for heavy metals was Lot 3700/01172 6122J, Prod: 02/19/2024, Best by 2/19/2027.
The heavy metal contamination was discovered via sampling by the Maryland Department of Health which is part of the FDA Laboratory Flexible Funding Model program.
The company has recalled the products and is continuing an investigation to determine cause.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled pear slices should not consume the products and are urged to discard in the trash or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 516-676-9188
Lead and cadmium are toxic substances present in our environment in small amounts.
However, exposure to larger amounts of lead and cadmium can cause poisoning. While these heavy metals can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age.
Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures and coma. However, infants, young children and the developing fetuses can be affected by chronic exposure to amounts of heavy metals that may not result in obvious symptoms of lead poisoning.
A child with heavy metal poisoning may not look or act sick. Heavy metal poisoning in children can cause learning disabilities, developmental delays and lower IQ scores.
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