Lead Poisoning Cases Linked to Applesauce

In October, November and December 2023, some applesauce with cinnamon pouches were recalled across the U.S. after reports surfaced that the cinnamon in the applesauce pouches contained excessive levels of lead.  The applesauce with excessive levels of lead included: WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis-brand apple cinnamon pouches.

Now, in January 2024, reports of lead poisoning associated with those food products continue to come into the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) from state health departments across the country*.  As of the first week of January 2024, there have been a total of 287 reports of lead poisoning cases across 37 states. So far, 80 cases have been confirmed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data show there are 187 ‘probable’ cases and 20 more that are ‘suspected’ cases.

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Lead levels in the applesauce were high

The FDA said samples of cinnamon contained in the applesauce revealed “extremely high levels of lead contamination of about 5,110 parts per million (ppm) and 2,270 ppm.”**

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Profits over public food safety

Investigations are ongoing but one prevailing theory is that the reason for the elevated lead levels in applesauce resulted from the intentional adulteration of the cinnamon to enhance profits.

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What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?

“Children with lead exposure may have no apparent acute symptoms. However, even low levels of lead have been associated with learning and behavior problems, hearing and speech problems, and slowed growth and development. This can show up as lower IQ, decreased ability to pay attention, and under-performance in school. Children who are exposed to large amounts of lead may develop symptoms of acute lead poisoning, including:

• Abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea
• Anemia
• Weakness and fatigue
• Severe neurological symptoms (including seizures, encephalopathy, and coma)”  (Source: CDC)

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What to do if you suspect lead poisoning

“If parents suspect that a child may have been exposed to lead, they should talk to their child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test. Healthcare providers and most local health departments can test for lead in the blood. Many private insurance policies cover the cost of testing for lead in the blood. The cost of blood lead testing for children enrolled in Medicaid is covered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.” (Source: CDC)

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*AL, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV

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**The Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international food standards body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), is considering adopting a maximum level of 2.5 ppm for lead in bark spices, including cinnamon.

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Source

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