FDA threatens Dollar Tree with legal action over failed recall of lead-contaminated applesauce

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is intensifying its investigation into Dollar Tree’s handling of recalled baby food products contaminated with toxic levels of lead, threatening legal action and asset seizure if the situation is not resolved.

The agency’s letter to the popular discount chain’s CEO, Rick Dreiling, is the latest step in an investigation into the improper recall of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches and applesauce due to high lead levels.

“The FDA is sending this warning letter to Dollar Tree, Inc. because the company failed to adequately remove the recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches from its store shelves at the time of the recall,” the agency said in a press release.

In November, WanaBana voluntarily recalled the contaminated products that had been manufactured at a processing plant in Ecuador. The FDA’s investigation of the factory and cooperation with Ecuadorian authorities determined that the high levels of lead came from the cinnamon used in the products, which would have been considered safe under Ecuadorian health regulations.

The warning letter details that the recalled puree pouches remained on the shelves of various Dollar Tree stores across the country weeks and months after the recall.

“Failure to adequately address this matter may result in legal action, including, without limitation, seizure and injunctions,” the letter states.

Dollar Tree did not respond to the Washington Examinerfor comment at the time of publication.

“Importantly, when a food recall occurs, retailers play a critical role in implementing the recall by ensuring that the recalled products are not available to consumers in their stores,” the agency said in a press release.

Dollar Tree has until July 9 to respond to the violations listed in the letter and take corrective action in the process of removing the recalled products.