Food Safety Alert: Lead Concerns in Applesauce Pouches

Food Safety Alert: Lead Concerns in Applesauce Pouches

Certain apple puree and applesauce products are being recalled due to a potential of elevated lead levels. The FDA is currently investigating reports of four children with elevated blood lead levels, indicating potential acute lead toxicity. The investigation identified WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches as a potential shared source of the exposure.

Description of Recalled Products

  • WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches.
  • Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs.
  • Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. (specific lots of UPC 041497216123)

What Should Consumers Do

  • Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve these products and should discard them.
  • These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes to ensure they do not have any of the products listed above.

Symptoms of Lead Toxicity

Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Protecting children from exposure to lead is particularly important because they are more susceptible to lead toxicity. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. Parents and caretakers should consult a healthcare provider if you suspect a child may have been exposed to lead. 

Contact your healthcare provider if you think you or your child may have symptoms of lead toxicity after eating recalled fruit pouches. 

Examples of products:

Images of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.

Updated COVID-19 vaccine available by appointment at Mesa County Public Health

Updated COVID-19 vaccine available by appointment at Mesa County Public Health

The updated COVID-19 vaccine for this season is now available in limited quantities at the Mesa County Public Health Clinic. This vaccine is the latest tool to protect against the current variants of the COVID-19 virus.

To ensure a smooth vaccination process for community members, appointments are required. No walk-ins will be accepted at this time. We ask all eligible individuals to call 970-248-6900 to schedule an appointment. Our dedicated staff will assist you in finding a convenient time slot for your vaccination.

Recommendations

  • Everyone aged 5 years and older:  Need one dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Children aged 6 months to 4 years: Need multiple doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine. 

Read about current vaccine recommendations by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. You can also speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

For more information, please visit our website health.mesacounty.us or call 970-248-6900.

New Hours of Operation at Mesa County Community Services Campus

New Hours of Operation at Mesa County Community Services Campus

The Mesa County Community Services campus is updating their hours of operation effective November 6th, 2023. The new hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. – noon.  

This change impacts the Workforce Center (512 29 1/2 Road) and Health and Human Services Building (510 29 ½ Road).

“The aligned hours across all buildings on campus will mean less guesswork for the community,” said Jill Calvert, Human Services Executive Director. “This will make it easier to schedule appointments and access services.”

The new hours give community members earlier access to the most popular services, such as the Public Health Clinic and Economic Assistance. The public is encouraged to ask questions about hours for any services that are by-appointment only.

“This is one campus with one purpose: to empower the lives of Mesa County residents,” said Todd Hollenbeck, Interim Executive Director of Mesa County Public Health. “This gives us an opportunity to remind the community about the resources and programs that exist to build stronger families and professionals.”

Over 80,000 households are served by programs at the Community Services Campus. Staff who serve at the Community Services Campus are excited to continue empowering lives with updated, aligned hours of operation.

 

Partial List of Programs and Services

Human Services

Public Health

Workforce Center Programs & Services

  • Business services including the business center, candidate screening, recruiting assistance and on-the-job training.
  • Job seeker services including the Career Development Program, workshops and the resource room.

 

One Campus, One Purpose

Updated COVID-19 vaccine available by appointment at Mesa County Public Health

Drive-through flu vaccine events scheduled October 7th & 21st

Flu season is gearing up in Mesa County. The flu vaccine is now available at Mesa County Public Health for anyone ages six months old and older. Every year the flu changes, so you need an updated version of the vaccine to ensure your body develops immunity to the most recent strain of the virus

The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated. It’s a safe and effective way to protect yourself and those around you, especially those at higher risk like older adults, infants, and pregnant people.

DRIVE-THROUGH CLINICS:

Mesa County Public Health is hosting two drive-through flu clinics in October. All residents are welcome and no appointments are required.

WHEN:

  • Saturday, October 7th from 9 AM – 1 PM
  • Saturday, October 21st from 9 AM – 1 PM

WHERE:

Mesa County Public Health parking lot
510 29 ½ Road

BRING:

  • ID
  • Insurance Card
  • If you do not have insurance, the flu vaccine is free during our Drive-Through events. Low-cost options will also be available throughout the flu season.

CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE DRIVE-THROUGH FLU CLINIC?

The Public Health Clinic at Mesa County Public Health also offers flu vaccination during regular business hours: 

  • Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 5:30 PM 
  • Friday from 8 AM to noon. 

Call 970-248-6900 to schedule an appointment. 

Bring an ID and your Insurance Card. Flu vaccination is typically covered by insurance, however, don’t let cost be a barrier. If you do not have insurance, there are options available. 

LOCAL BACKGROUND ON FLU

We typically see a higher rate of respiratory illnesses, including flu and RSV, from October through May, with cases typically peaking in December. Last year, Mesa County hospitalizations due to flu were higher than the previous five years.

Stay up to date with COVID-19, flu, and RSV data on the What’s Going Around webpage.

No Burn Advisory Continues Through Sunday Night Due to Strong Winds

No Burn Advisory Continues Through Sunday Night Due to Strong Winds

*Update: No Burn Advisory extended through Sunday, October 1.

Due to fire safety concerns, Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory for Friday and Saturday. Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Friday and Saturday due to potential fire danger. Winds are expected to reach up to 45 mph both days. The combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior, like easy ignition and rapid fire spread.

Instead of burning, consider these alternatives:

  • Compost leaves and grass clippings yourself. This can improve water retention in your yard or garden.
  • Rent or borrow a wood chipper for your tree and shrub trimmings. Chipped branches can also be good mulch.
  • Use the services at Mesa County Organic Materials Facility. Head to their website for hours and accepted materials.

For information on current air quality conditions and to learn if it’s okay to burn, visit the Air Quality page.