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Fruit Recall Given FDA's Highest Risk Warning
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A recall of thousands of cans of fruit has been given the highest risk level by food inspectors, who are urgently warning consumers not to eat the product.
More than 8,000 cans of Parashore Pear Slices in Juice, 15 oz. (425 g), distributed primarily through grocery stores in California, were recalled over fears the products could be contaminated with elevated lead and cadmium.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 4 designated the recall as a Class I, the highest of three warning levels, signifying a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death.
The voluntary recall was issued by New York-based company W.W. Industrial Group on July 21.
Newsweek reached out to the company via phone on July 23 for comment, but had not heard back at the time of publication.
The recalled Parashore Pear Slices in Juice.
The recalled Parashore Pear Slices in Juice.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Why It Matters
This recall addresses serious concerns about heavy metal contamination in food products in the United States. Lead and cadmium are both toxic and can cause long-term health problems, especially for children.
Metal toxicity depends upon the absorbed dose. Exposure to larger amounts of lead and cadmium can cause poisoning, the FDA warned in its July 23 alert announcing the recall. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures, and coma.
"While these heavy metals can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age," it said.
"However, infants, young children and the developing fetus can be affected by chronic exposure to amounts of heavy metals that may not result in obvious symptoms of lead poisoning. A child with heavy metal poisoning may not look or act sick," the FDA alert said. "Heavy metal poisoning in children can cause: learning disabilities, developmental delays, and lower IQ scores."
What To Know
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the recall involves Parashore Pear Slices in Juice, 15 oz. (425 g), with UPC#704817164237 and Lot 3700/01172 6122J, product date 02/19/2024, with a best-by date of 2/19/2027.
More than 8,000 units were distributed, primarily to grocery outlets in California and also to other retail locations across the U.S., according to a July press release announcing the recall.
Regulators issued a "Class I" recall on August 4, 2025, the FDA's most serious classification, used for situations where there is a "reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death."
Sampling and analysis carried out by the Maryland Department of Health, working as part of the FDA Laboratory Flexible Funding Model program, first identified the heavy metal contamination.
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Both lead and cadmium are strictly regulated in food products by the FDA and other health agencies.
Metal toxicity depends upon the absorbed dose. Acute lead exposure can cause loss of appetite, headache, hypertension, abdominal pain, renal dysfunction, fatigue, sleeplessness, arthritis, hallucinations and vertigo, according to a scientific review published by the National Institutes of Health in 2004.
If cadmium is ingested in higher amounts, it can lead to stomach irritation and result in vomiting and diarrhea, the review said.
No associated illness or health complaints had been reported at the time of the recall. The company is investigating the source of contamination to ensure corrective actions are taken and prevent further incidents, the FDA's July release said.
What People Are Saying
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in its public recall notice dated July 23, 2025: "Lead and cadmium are toxic substances present in our environment in small amounts and everyone is exposed to some of these heavy metals from daily actions such as inhaling dust, eating food, or drinking water. In general, the small exposure to lead within the U.S. population does not pose a significant public health concern."
What Happens Next
Consumers who purchased cans of Parashore Pear Slices in Juice with the specified lot number are advised to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. The FDA and W.W. Industrial Group have provided a hotline for further questions at 516-676-9188, available on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
