Tests conducted on cinnamon samples collected during a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection of a facility in Ecuador, associated with contaminated applesauce pouches, revealed lead levels more than 2,000 times higher than proposed standards, the agency reported on Monday.
The FDA is actively investigating elevated lead levels in cinnamon applesauce pouches that were distributed in the United States. The agency has received at least 69 reports of illnesses, all in children under the age of 6, connected to pouches sold under the WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks brands. Subsequently, these products have been recalled. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), utilizing different data sources, has received reports of 205 confirmed, probable, or suspected cases in 33 states related to the issue. on cinnamon samples
During a recent FDA inspection of an Austrofood facility in Ecuador, investigators took samples of cinnamon that were supplied by another company, Negasmart. The samples had “extremely high levels of lead contamination, 5110 parts per million (ppm) and 2270 ppm,” the agency said in an update Monday. “For context, the international standard-setting body, Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) is considering adopting a maximum level of 2.5 ppm for lead in bark spices, including cinnamon, in 2024.”
The FDA has concluded the inspection, and testing did not reveal any additional products that warrant a recall. However, the agency is continuing to investigate whether the contaminated cinnamon may have been utilized in other products imported into the United States. Enhanced screening measures for certain imported cinnamon products remain in effect.
According to an FDA official cited by Politico, the investigation indicates that the lead contamination could have been “an intentional act on the part of someone in the supply chain.” Jim Jones, the agency’s deputy commissioner for human foods, stated, “We’re going to chase that data and find whoever was responsible and hold them accountable.” The FDA is committed to determining the source of the contamination and taking appropriate action against those responsible.