Quick Answer: New York Attorney General Letitia James secured a $559,250 settlement from Dollar Tree for continuing to sell recalled WanaBana cinnamon applesauce pouches contaminated with dangerously high levels of lead. The company waited over 24 hours to activate register locks after receiving the recall notice, and some stores kept the products on shelves for weeks. Dozens of New York children suffered elevated blood lead levels.
What Happened
On the morning of October 29, 2023, Dollar Tree received an urgent notification from its supplier that WanaBana-brand cinnamon apple fruit puree pouches — a product marketed for babies and young children — had been recalled nationwide after testing revealed dangerously high levels of lead.
According to the New York Attorney General’s office, what happened next was a series of failures:
- 24+ hour delay before Dollar Tree activated register locks to prevent sales
- Recalled products remained on shelves at dozens of New York stores for weeks
- At least 226 three-pack units were sold in New York after the recall notice
- One online order was fulfilled a full week after the recall began
The Cost Per Unit: The $559,250 penalty works out to roughly $2,474 per 3-pack unit sold after the recall notice. State health data shows dozens of New York children suffered elevated blood lead levels linked to these products, with most families reporting purchases at Dollar Tree locations.
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Why Lead in Baby Food Matters
Lead exposure in children is not something that resolves on its own. Even low levels of lead in a child’s blood can cause:
- Irreversible damage to developing brains and nervous systems
- Learning disabilities and behavioral problems
- Slower growth and development
- Hearing and speech problems
There is no safe level of lead exposure for children, according to the CDC. That’s why the speed of recall compliance matters — every day a contaminated product stays on shelves is another opportunity for a child to be harmed.
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What Dollar Tree Must Do Now
The settlement requires Dollar Tree to overhaul its recall and food safety procedures in New York:
- Faster register stop codes — Must be activated within hours of future recalls, not days
- Enhanced recall training — Store managers must receive improved training on recall procedures
- Stronger online notification — Customer notification systems for online purchases must be improved
- Compliance reporting — Dollar Tree must report back to the Attorney General’s Office
The $559,250 in penalties will be used to strengthen lead poisoning prevention programs and expand access to healthy, affordable food in underserved New York communities.
The Bigger Pattern
This isn’t the first time Dollar Tree has been called out. According to AboutLawsuits.com, the FDA issued a warning letter to Dollar Tree in June 2024, stating that the retailer exposed children to unnecessary lead poisoning risk by failing to properly remove the contaminated pouches.
And according to The Hill, at least one family has filed a lawsuit against both WanaBana and Dollar Tree over the lead contamination.
What This Means for Consumers: If you purchased WanaBana cinnamon applesauce pouches at Dollar Tree, you should have already received a refund from WanaBana, plus limited reimbursement for out-of-pocket healthcare costs. If you didn’t, contact the NY Attorney General’s Consumer Helpline at (800) 771-7755.
How to Protect Your Family
- Check the FDA recall database at FDA.gov regularly for recalled food products
- Sign up for recall alerts — The FDA, CPSC, and your state AG’s office all offer email notifications
- Don’t assume stores pull recalled items — This case proves products can remain on shelves for weeks
- Ask your pediatrician about blood lead testing if your child consumed any recalled product
- Keep receipts — Documentation helps with refund claims and potential lawsuits
Sources
- New York Attorney General — Official press release on settlement terms and investigation findings
- AboutLawsuits.com — FDA warning letter to Dollar Tree (June 2024)
- The Hill — Family lawsuit against WanaBana and Dollar Tree
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Dollar Tree lead recall about?
In October 2023, WanaBana-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches sold at Dollar Tree were recalled nationwide after testing found dangerously high levels of lead. Dollar Tree failed to promptly remove the products from its New York stores, continuing sales for days and even weeks after the recall notice.
Can I still get a refund for the recalled applesauce?
Consumers who purchased the recalled WanaBana applesauce should have already received refunds from WanaBana and limited reimbursement for healthcare costs. If you haven’t received a refund and believe you’re eligible, contact the New York Attorney General’s Consumer Helpline at (800) 771-7755.
How do I know if my child was affected by lead contamination?
Ask your pediatrician about a blood lead level test. Symptoms of lead exposure in children can include irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, stomach pain, and learning difficulties. However, many children with elevated lead levels show no obvious symptoms, which is why testing is important.
Is Dollar Tree still selling recalled products?
The recalled WanaBana products should no longer be on shelves. As part of the settlement, Dollar Tree must implement faster recall procedures in the future. However, this case demonstrates that consumers should check the FDA recall database independently rather than assuming stores have pulled all recalled items.
TL;DR: Dollar Tree kept selling lead-contaminated baby food pouches in New York for days and weeks after the recall notice. Dozens of children were affected. NY AG secured a $559,250 settlement and new safety requirements. Don’t rely on stores to pull recalled items — check the FDA recall database yourself and keep receipts.
(Source: New York Attorney General’s Office)
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