Preeti Dalal The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed on Monday that US food inspectors identified “extremely high” levels of lead in cinnamon at a plant in Ecuador responsible for producing applesauce pouches tainted with the metal. The recalled pouches have been associated with numerous illnesses in American children.
Lead Levels Over 2,000 Times FDA Proposed Maximum
Cinnamon tested from the Ecuadorian plant, Negasmart, which supplied the spice to Austrofoods, showed lead levels exceeding 2,000 times the maximum level proposed by the FDA. The contaminated applesauce pouches were sold under three brands—WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis. Austrofoods officials have not responded to requests for comment regarding the ongoing investigation.
Applesauce pouches
No Lead Detected in WanaBana Products Without Cinnamon
The FDA clarified that lead has not been detected in WanaBana products made without cinnamon and sold in the US. The agency is actively investigating the source of contamination in the cinnamon. Jim Jones, head of the FDA’s human foods program, suggested in an interview with Politico that the lead contamination appears to be “an intentional act.”
Contamination Theories and Economic Motivations
One theory under consideration is that the cinnamon might have been intentionally contaminated for economic reasons. This could involve the addition or subtraction of ingredients to boost the spice’s value. Compounds such as red brick, red lead salt, lead oxide, and lead chromate, which mimic cinnamon’s red color, have been previously added to increase the spice’s value.
FDA Unable to Take Direct Action with Negasmart
FDA officials stated that they are unable to take direct action against Negasmart and are relying on Ecuadorian authorities to conduct an investigation into the company’s actions. Negasmart does not directly ship products to the US, and among Negasmart’s customers, only Austrofoods shipped food to the US.
Lead Poisoning Cases and Ongoing Investigations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that at least 125 children from 22 states may have been affected by lead poisoning since late October. Meanwhile, the FDA, using a different reporting method, counts at least 65 children aged 6 and younger sickened in 27 states as of December 8. Test results indicate that children who consumed the contaminated pouches had blood lead readings up to eight times higher than the reference level of concern. Samples of the puree showed lead contamination more than 200 times higher than the FDA allows. The FDA continues to investigate the extent of the contamination and its potential health impacts.
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