The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating the possibility that the recalled applesauce products may have been intentionally contaminated with high levels of lead.
“The FDA can confirm that one of the theories the agency explored regarding the high lead levels in the recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches is that the cinnamon was potentially contaminated as a result of possible economically motivated adulteration,” an FDA spokesperson told FOX Business. in a statement.
However, since the investigation is still ongoing, the agency reiterated that this is only a theory being explored, and that “additional investigations will need to occur before the FDA reaches any conclusions.”
WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis brand apple cinnamon pouches — manufactured by Ecuador-based Austrofood — were recalled in November due to high lead levels as cases of lead poisoning began to rise across the country.
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners are investigating reports of elevated blood lead levels in people using Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches.
Three applesauce products are being recalled – WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs, and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. AP
As of December 11, the FDA has received 65 reports of adverse events potentially linked to the recalled products.
The confirmed complainants, or people for whom adverse events have been reported, were all under the age of 6, the FDA said.
Separately, the CDC reported that it had received more than 200 case reports from state and local health departments across the country.
Lead is toxic to humans & affects people of any age or health status. Protecting children from lead exposure is especially important because children are more vulnerable to lead toxicity. This product has a long shelf life. Users review your pantry & remove this product!
— FDA FOOD (Ctr for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition) (@FDAfood) December 1, 2023
The FDA said cinnamon samples supplied by Negasmart to Austrofoods revealed “very high levels of lead contamination of approximately 5110 parts per million (ppm) and 2270 ppm.”
For context, the FDA said the Codex Alimentarius Commission – the international food standards body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization – is considering using a maximum level of 2.5 ppm for lead in bark spices, including cinnamon, in 2024.
The FDA said it “depends on officials in Ecuador to support the investigation into Negasmart.”
However, the agency has confirmed that the company does not ship products directly to the US.
Only Austrofoods, one of Negasmart’s direct customers, ships products to the US.
The FDA told FOX Business that it will continue to keep the public updated as the investigation progresses.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
