The Food and Drug Administration has issued a public health warning regarding elevated lead levels found in multiple brands of imported dried fruit products sold at discount retailers and online marketplaces. Testing revealed lead concentrations exceeding FDA action levels by up to eight times in dried mango, tamarind, and apricot products originating from facilities in India and Pakistan.
The agency has identified 14 specific products across seven brands and is working with retailers to remove them from shelves. Consumers who have purchased dried fruit products from the affected brands are urged to discard them immediately and consult their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms consistent with lead exposure, particularly in children.
The FDA is expanding its import sampling program for dried fruits and has initiated discussions with foreign regulatory counterparts about strengthening export certification requirements.
