FDA Discovers Alarming Lead Levels in Ecuadorian Cinnamon, Contaminating U.S. Applesauce Pouches. Negasmart’s Cinnamon, 2,000 Times Above FDA Limits, Tied to Illnesses in 22 States. Possible Economic Adulteration Investigated; Austrofoods Affected Brands Recalled. Only Austrofoods Sold to the U.S.; WanaBana Products Safe. Over 125 Children were Possibly Affected, and 65 were Confirmed with High Blood Lead Levels. Urgent Inquiry Pursued as Lead Found 200 Times Over FDA’s Threshold in Pouches—collaboration Needed for Stringent Measures.
The FDA’s alarming discovery of extreme lead levels in Ecuadorian cinnamon has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of U.S. applesauce pouches. This contamination traced back to Negasmart’s cinnamon supply to Austrofoods, has led to widespread illnesses among children across multiple states. Suspicions of economic adulteration in cinnamon point to deliberate contamination, prompting urgent investigations. With over 125 children potentially affected, the severity of health implications necessitates immediate collaborative action to address this critical food safety issue.
The assessment of cinnamon samples obtained from the Ecuadorian plant revealed lead levels exceeding 2,000 times the maximum limit proposed by the FDA. These samples were sourced from ground or powdered cinnamon procured from Negasmart, an Ecuador-based company supplying spices to Austrofoods, the manufacturer responsible for the tainted pouches. The affected applesauce products were marketed under various brands, including WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis. Despite attempts to reach out, Austrofoods refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation.
Remarkably, FDA officials confirmed that WanaBana products lacking cinnamon have not exhibited any trace of lead contamination, reassuring consumers about the safety of these specific products available in the U.S. market.
Efforts to ascertain the root cause of the cinnamon contamination remain ongoing. Jim Jones, heading the FDA’s human foods program, hinted at the possibility of the lead contamination being an intentional act in an interview with Politico. One plausible theory suggests that the cinnamon might have been adulterated for economic reasons. This form of adulteration involves altering or augmenting an ingredient in a food product to enhance its value. Studies indicate the addition of substances like red brick, red lead salt, lead oxide, and lead chromate, resembling the red hue of cinnamon, to elevate the spice’s worth.
The FDA’s ability to directly intervene with Negasmart is limited, prompting reliance on Ecuadorian authorities for a thorough investigation into the company’s operations. Notably, Negasmart does not directly ship its products to the U.S. Among Negasmart’s clientele, only Austrofoods distributed food items to the U.S., as clarified by the FDA.
Disturbingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately 125 children from 22 states may have suffered from lead poisoning since late October due to the consumption of the contaminated pouches. Utilizing an alternative reporting method, the FDA identified at least 65 children aged six and under affected in 27 states as of December 8.
Health officials revealed that tests conducted on children who consumed the affected pouches displayed blood lead levels reaching up to eight times higher than the reference level. Moreover, analysis of the puree revealed lead contamination surpassing the FDA’s allowable limit by over 200 times.
The gravity of this situation emphasizes the urgency for comprehensive investigations and stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and food suppliers are crucial to safeguarding public health and ensuring the integrity and safety of food products available to consumers.
The crisis surrounding lead contamination in cinnamon, impacting U.S. applesauce pouches and causing illness in numerous children, underscores the imperative for swift action and collaborative efforts. The FDA’s findings of hazardous lead levels, 2,000 times above limits, demand stringent measures and robust investigations into the supply chain. The safety of food products remains paramount, urging regulators and suppliers to work closely to prevent future incidents. Protecting public health necessitates vigilance, transparency, and a concerted commitment to ensuring the integrity and safety of food items accessible to consumers.
