The FDA is still investigating high lead levels discovered in cinnamon applesauce pouches sold in the USA. Over 125 confirmed, probable, or suspected cases of lead poisoning have been reported in 22 states, primarily affecting children under 6 years old, who have used pouches from brands such as WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks.
Recent FDA inspections at an Austrofood factory in Ecuador revealed that cinnamon samples supplied by Negasmart contained "extremely high levels of lead contamination" with 5,110 parts per million (ppm) and 2,270 ppm – levels far surpassing the proposed standard of 10 parts per billion (ppb) set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for 2024 for rind-based spices .
The FDA inspections have not uncovered any additional products requiring recalls. However, the agency is still examining whether cinnamon is allowed to be used in other products imported into the US. Furthermore, import controls on cinnamon products will remain heightened.
FDA officials suggested last week that lead contamination might have been intentional along the supply chain. Jim Jones, deputy commissioner for food safety, said, "We will continue to track these data to find the responsible parties and hold them accountable."
High levels of contamination in spices are more common than people may think. Diane Calello, executive director and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center, told CNN that "tainted products, often with lead, are sold deliberately by weight"[1]. Natural products like rice and apples have some degree of contamination as they're grown in soils containing metals.
Cinnamon applesauce pouch consumers are advised to get their blood tested for lead exposure, as lead is toxic to humans and does not have a safe limit of exposure. Symptoms of lead poisoning include various physical discomforts like headaches, vomiting, anemia, anxiety, fatigue, and weight loss.
Causes and Implications
The following points were omitted from the original article due to their limited applicability and space constraints.
Causes: 1. Lead contamination in cinnamon: Examination of the cinnamon samples shows extremely high levels of lead contamination, which is suspected to be the source of the high lead levels in the applesauce pouches.
- Intentional adulteration: There is a risk that lead adulteration is intentional as it can facilitate the production of heavier products by adding heavy metals, such as lead.
Implications: 1. Health Risks: Lead exposure is especially dangerous to young children, and can lead to various health-related issues like behavioral problems, developmental delays, lowered IQ, long-term neurological damage, and other complications.
- Recall and Public Health Warning: As a result, the FDA has issued a public health warning, and several brands of cinnamon applesauce pouches, including WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks, have been recalled. Consumers are advised to discard these pouches immediately.
- Testing and Screening: The CDC recommends regular testing and screening for lead exposure in children who have consumed the recalled pouches. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to discuss testing options with their pediatrician.
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