Federal investigators have discovered a second contaminant in recalled applesauce pouches. Chromium, a naturally occurring metal, was found in the pouches, raising concerns about potential health effects. The Food and Drug Administration has been conducting an international investigation into high levels of lead found in cinnamon applesauce pouches marketed to children. The pouches of fruit puree were manufactured in Ecuador and sold under the brand names WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been tracking numerous cases of lead exposure linked to the applesauce recall.
The FDA reported finding extraordinarily high levels of lead in samples of cinnamon from the Ecuador plant where the pouches were made. Now, the agency has also found chromium in the recalled products. Although chromium is an essential mineral found in foods and dietary supplements, a certain form called chromium-6 can cause harm.
Investigations revealed that two samples of cinnamon collected from the manufacturer in Ecuador had high levels of chromium when tested. The FDA stated that it has not been able to determine the specific form of chromium detected in the cinnamon applesauce pouches or whether it poses a health risk.
According to the CDC, ingestion of chromium may lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and renal and hepatic dysfunction. Additionally, there is no antidote for treating chromium exposure. The FDA is currently investigating what caused the lead and chromium contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses.
Michael Beuhler, the medical director of North Carolina Poison Control, stated that the discovery of chromium in the applesauce and cinnamon does not necessarily mean that harm will occur, emphasizing that any chromium-6 present would likely reduce to a nontoxic form once inside the applesauce pouches. Beuhler also suggested that lead chromate might have been added to the cinnamon to affect its weight and color.
The discovery of this additional contaminant raises new concerns about the safety of food products for children. The FDA’s investigation into this matter is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.