CNN – Lead contamination in cinnamon applesauce pouches that sickened dozens of young children may have been an “intentional act,” a US Food and Drug Administration official told Politico.
In an interview published on Thursday, Jim Jones, FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, said the agency is still investigating the lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches, “but so far all of the signals we’re getting lead to an intentional act on the part of someone in the supply chain and we’re trying to sort of figure that out.”
The FDA has reported at least 65 cases of illness related to the consumption of apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches marketed by WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks. To this point, the affected individuals have exclusively been children under the age of six.
Currently, the FDA is conducting an investigation at Austrofood’s facility in Ecuador and collaborating with local authorities to investigate Negasmart, the cinnamon provider for Austrofood. Statements from WanaBanana USA and Austrofood confirmed Negasmart as the cinnamon source for these fruit pouches.
The FDA declined to provide additional information when contacted by CNN on Thursday. Meanwhile, WanaBanana has been approached by CNN for a statement regarding the FDA official’s remarks.
Jones, in a statement to Politico, expressed determination to pursue the data to identify and hold accountable the responsible parties.
Dr. Diane Calello, the executive and medical director at the New Jersey Poison Control Center, informed CNN that spice contamination is notably frequent, and often occurs naturally in products such as rice and apples due to soil metal content. She added that intentional contamination to increase product weight is also seen, often involving lead in spices like turmeric.
Dr. Calello highlighted the critical nature of routine lead screenings for toddlers at ages one and two, especially considering potential delays due to the pandemic. Lead exposure is harmful, with no safe exposure level, potentially causing developmental issues, pain, vomiting, anemia, irritability, fatigue, and weight loss in children.
There has been a recall of the implicated fruit puree pouches, with advisories not to consume them due to their extended shelf life, and families are urged to check their supplies.
Earlier in the month, Austrofood and Wanabana USA announced plans for a reimbursement program covering some medical expenses resulting from the issue. They are also developing a website to process refunds for the recalled items.
Source: CNN
