U.S. health officials are currently investigating the possibility of intentional lead contamination in recalled applesauce products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously warned parents and caregivers about the potential elevated levels of lead in WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. This warning came after several American children fell ill due to the consumption of three different brands of recalled cinnamon apple puree and applesauce.
The FDA has received 65 reports of adverse events, while the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a total of 125 cases across 22 states. The recalled products, including WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis-brand apple cinnamon pouches, manufactured by Ecuador-based Austrofood, were recalled in November due to elevated lead levels coinciding with the increase in lead poisoning cases nationwide.
The FDA spokesperson revealed that they are investigating the possibility of economically motivated adulteration as a potential cause for the high lead levels found in the recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches. The investigation is still ongoing, and the FDA has not yet reached a conclusion.
The CDC has also reported receiving over 200 cases from various health departments nationwide regarding the consumption of these contaminated products. The FDA stated that samples of cinnamon supplied by Negasmart to Austrofoods showed extremely high levels of lead contamination.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international food standards body, is considering adopting a maximum lead level of 2.5 ppm for lead in bark spices, including cinnamon, in 2024. However, the FDA’s investigation is currently relying on officials in Ecuador to support the investigation into Negasmart.
Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for Human Foods, commented on the investigation, stating that it appears to be an intentional act based on the signals they have received thus far. While the investigation is ongoing, the FDA suspects that someone in the supply chain deliberately contaminated the products. Jones believes that the perpetrators did not anticipate their product entering a country with stringent regulatory processes, assuming it would end up in locations where such contamination would not be easily detected.
The recalled products were marketed to parents and children and were sold nationally by various grocery chains and online retailers. The FDA’s inspection is currently focused on a plant in Ecuador responsible for producing the cinnamon-flavored applesauce products.
As the investigation continues, U.S. health officials are working diligently to determine the source and motives behind the intentional contamination of these applesauce products. The safety of consumers, especially children, remains a top priority, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
