The Food and Drug Administration has named the likely source that of lead contamination in the recalled WanaBana cinnamon applesauce pouches that sickened hundreds of people across the United States. The FDA says that it is linked to one cinnamon processor in Ecuador. Officials in the country say that Carlos Aguilera is the likely source. It also said the cinnamon sticks, which Aguilera got from Sri Lanka, were free from lead contamination before being processed. The investigation is still ongoing as officials work to determine the ultimate responsibility for the contamination.
Currently, Aguilera's business is not operating. In an interview with El Universo, an Ecuadorian newspaper, he denied the accusations that he contaminated the cinnamon. He said that products processed in three of his mills were sampled by officials, and lead was not found.
WanaBana has been working with the FDA on the investigation. Its apple cinnamon fruit puree, along with Schnucks applesauce pouches with cinnamon and Weis cinnamon applesauce, have been being investigated for lead contamination. The FDA believes the contamination may have been intentional.
More from LittleThings: 'Extremely High Levels Of Lead' Found In Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches
As of February 2, 2024, the CDC has received 413 reports of elevated blood lead levels in 43 states that were linked to the applesauce pouches. In a statement, the FDA said that it has “limited authority” over foreign ingredient suppliers who don't ship products directly to the US. This means the agency “cannot take direct action” against neither Negasmart (a cinnamon supplier) or Aguilera.
