Several cinnamon applesauce products were recalled this fall, and in an update shared on December 18, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration said that "extremely high levels of lead contamination" were found in samples of cinnamon collected at the Austrofoods facility in Ecuador, where the recalled applesauce pouches were made.
The cinnamon was supplied to Austrofoods by Negasmart, and is believed to be the source of contamination in the applesauce products. Recalled products include WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, and variety pack and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.
The FDA reported that the "extremely high levels of lead" found were 5,110 parts per million and 2,270 ppm, compared to the 2.5 ppm maximum level of lead allowed in spices like cinnamon that is being proposed by the international standard-setting body, Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Though the onsite investigation is over, the FDA is still investigating the situation, which could've been "economically motivated," reported Politico. The FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones told Politico that the contamination could've been intentional.
More from LittleThings: Three Colorado Refs Get Into A Major Fight At A Children's Basketball Game
“We’re still in the midst of our investigation. But so far all of the signals we’re getting lead to an intentional act on the part of someone in the supply chain and we’re trying to sort of figure that out,” Jones told the news outlet.
On December 12, the FDA revealed that 65 people had reportedly experienced "adverse events potentially linked to recalled product" as of December 11. All of them were children younger than 6 years old.
Though lead exposure is dangerous for anyone, it is particularly dangerous for children. Children are at a higher risk for lead toxicity, and they often have "no obvious immediate symptoms" after being exposed to lead.
The FDA advised parents to take their children to see a doctor if they believe the child could've been exposed to lead. Additionally, because the products have a long shelf life, the FDA recommended getting rid of any recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis apple cinnamon pouches they might have in their homes.
The recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold around the country by a variety of retailers including Amazon, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar. According to the FDA, although these products are recalled and should no longer be sold, they were still on shelves at some Dollar Tree stores as of December 13. Even though the products might still be available at some Dollar Tree stores, they should not be sold or purchased.
Schnucks-brand products are sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores in the Midwest, while Weis-brand products are sold at Weis grocery stores. People who still have these products in their homes should carefully throw them away, clean up any spilled product and wash their hands after handling the product, advises the FDA.
Some parents of children potentially affected by the lead exposure from these products found out about the lead exposure from blood tests because their children did not show obvious symptoms, reported NBC. Other parents noticed their children exhibiting unusual symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and signs of anemia.
The FDA lists several possible symptoms of short-term exposure, including headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia. Long-term exposure can lead to irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, weight loss, and other symptoms, according to the FDA.
*Disclaimer: The advice on LittleThings.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
