The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is exploring the possibility that the recalled applesauce products may have been intentionally contaminated with high levels of lead.
“The FDA can confirm that one of the theories the agency is exploring regarding the high levels of lead in the recalled bags of cinnamon applesauce is the possibility that cinnamon contamination occurred as a possible result of economically motivated adulteration,” an FDA spokesperson told FOX Business. in a sentence.
However, since the investigation is still ongoing, the agency reiterated that this is just one theory it is exploring and that “additional research is necessary before the FDA reaches any conclusions.”
WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis brand apple and cinnamon pouches, made by Ecuador-based Austrofood, were recalled in November for elevated lead levels as cases of lead poisoning began to rise across the country. country.
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local partners, are currently investigating reports of elevated blood lead levels in people who consumed bags of applesauce, cinnamon, and fruit.
Three applesauce products recalled: WanaBana Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches, Schnucks Brand Cinnamon Applesauce Variety Pack Pouches, and Weis Brand Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches. AP
As of December 11, the FDA has received 65 reports of adverse events potentially related to the recalled product.
The confirmed reporters, or people for whom an adverse event occurred, are all under 6 years old, the FDA said.
Separately, the CDC reported that it has received more than 200 case reports from state and local health departments across the country.
Lead is toxic to humans and affects people of any age or health status. Protecting children from lead exposure is particularly important since children are more susceptible to lead toxicity. These products have a long shelf life. Consumers go through their pantries and throw these products away!
— FDA FOOD (Ctr for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition) (@FDAfood) December 1, 2023
The FDA said cinnamon samples supplied by Negasmart to Austrofoods revealed “extremely high levels of lead contamination of approximately 5,110 parts per million (ppm) and 2,270 ppm.”
For context, the FDA said the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international food standards body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization, is considering adopting a maximum level of 2.5 ppm of lead in bark spices, including cinnamon, in 2024. .
The FDA said it “relies on officials in Ecuador to support the investigation into Negasmart.”
However, the agency has confirmed that the company does not ship products directly to the US.
Only Austrofoods, one of Negasmart’s direct customers, ships products to the United States.
The FDA told FOX Business it will continue to keep the public informed as the investigation develops.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn