The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently conducting an investigation into whether lead found in three brands of applesauce puree was added intentionally. Concerns were raised after it was discovered that the cinnamon inside the popular children’s foods contained lead and sickened several children.
The FDA is considering the possibility that the adulteration of the purees was economically motivated, meaning ingredients were modified so that companies could manufacture a cheap item and sell it for a higher price.
The three brands of recalled applesauce products are WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack, and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. These products were recalled after four children in North Carolina had elevated blood lead levels.
The investigation found that the cinnamon inside the children’s snacks was the root cause of the high lead levels. The FDA is now working with Ecuadorian authorities to gather information on the cinnamon supplier and whether any more of the cinnamon contained in the recalled foods was used in other products exported to the U.S.
As of December 11, the FDA has received 65 reports of adverse events potentially linked to the recalled product, all of whom were under 6 years old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also working with state and local health departments to investigate cases.
The FDA advises families to check their homes and carefully discard any recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis-brand apple cinnamon pouches. If there is any suspicion that a child may have been exposed to lead, the FDA recommends parents to reach out to a health care provider about getting a blood test.