Lead Contamination Sparks Massive Canned Fruit Recall—What to Know

Throw these products away ASAP.

A bowl containing poached pear halves with a spoon
Credit:

Bartosz Luczak / Getty Images

Key Points

  • The FDA announced multiple nationwide recalls of canned fruit due to possible lead contamination, affecting about 62,340 cans distributed to Wegmans and Walmart locations in more than 25 states.
  • The recalls are classified as Class II, meaning exposure could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, with a low probability of serious consequences.
  • Lead exposure poses health risks to all ages—especially young children, who may experience neurological effects—while adults could face kidney, blood pressure, or cognitive issues.

If you have canned fruit in your refrigerator or pantry, check the label. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, there are multiple ongoing recalls involving canned fruit due to possible lead exposure.

The recalled products were distributed to Wegman's and Walmart locations in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Per the FDA, approximately 62,340 cans of fruit are impacted by the recall. The products can be identified by the following best-by dates, UPC numbers, and lot codes.

 Product Lot Code  UPC  Best-By Date
Wegmans Pears Sliced in Organic Pear Juice from Concentrate 6OPSJ 04 C2893  077890365410 SEP 01 2027
Wegmans Halved Pears in Pear Juice From Concentrate 6PJ 09 C2295   077890747490 SEP 01 2027
Wegmans Fruit Cocktail in 100% Juice With Added Ingredients 6FCB 02 C2206 077890461525 SEP 01 2027
Great Value Pears Halves in Pear Juice from Concentrate 6PJ 09 C2425 077890365410 SEP 01 2027

The canned fruit products were recalled because they may contain high levels of lead. The recalls are classified by the FDA as class II, which is a "situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."

Per the FDA, lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of all ages and health statuses. The potential for adverse health effects from consuming lead varies depending on the level of lead in the food, age of the individual, and the length, amount, and frequency of exposure.

Very young individuals are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, which can lead to neurological effects, such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ. For adults, chronic lead exposure can cause kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.

If you have the recalled canned fruit in your possession, throw it away immediately. Individuals with questions or concerns related to this recall may contact the FDA at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).

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