FDA Identifies Likely Source of Lead in Contaminated Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

Dive into the investigation as the FDA identifies the likely source of lead contamination in cinnamon applesauce pouches. Explore the impact on consumer safety and understand the measures being taken to address this concerning issue. Stay informed and take precautions to safeguard your health.

According to Ecuadorian officials, one processor was probably responsible for the lead-contaminated cinnamon that found its way into applesauce pouches that infected hundreds of people in the United States.

The recalled WanaBana cinnamon applesauce pouches potentially linked to lead poisonings in hundreds of people across the United States were likely contaminated by a single cinnamon processor in Ecuador, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.

Ecuadorian officials have identified Carlos Aguilera, a cinnamon processor, as “the likely source of contamination” of the applesauce pouches, the FDA said.

The cinnamon used by Aguilera comes from Sri Lanka. Officials from Ecuador claim that before being processed, the cinnamon sticks were lead-free.

The supply chain for the Florida-based WanaBana cinnamon applesauce pouches includes Aguilera as only one component. The Ecuadorian facility Austrofoods manufactures the pouches using cinnamon that is sourced from Negasmart, another Ecuadorian supplier. Officials from Ecuador claim that Negasmart obtained its cinnamon from Aguilera.

According to the FDA, Aguilera’s firm is currently closed while Ecuadorian officials continue their investigation and legal actions to establish who is ultimately responsible for the contamination.

Aguilera refuted the charge and said he did not taint the cinnamon in an interview with the Ecuadorian daily El Universo. He said that when authorities tested goods that had been processed in three of his mills, lead was not discovered.

An inquiry for comment from WanaBana was not answered right away. Negasmart was unreachable by NBC News.

In the past, WanaBana has stated that it is collaborating with the FDA in its inquiry.

The FDA has been looking into lead contamination in two other WanaBana products, Schnucks apple sauce pouches with cinnamon and Weis cinnamon apple sauce, as well as WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree since late last year. The FDA stated that the contamination may have been purposeful and that cinnamon was the most likely source of the contamination.

As of February 2, 413 reports of high blood lead levels in 43 states connected to the pouches had been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It’s unclear if the FDA has any legal or regulatory options when it comes to Aguilera. A request for further clarification was not immediately answered by the FDA.

The agency, however, stated in a release on Tuesday that it “cannot take direct action” against Negasmart or Aguilera as it has “limited authority” over foreign ingredient suppliers that do not send goods directly to the United States. Not Negasmart or Aguilera, but Austrofoods is the company that eventually exports goods to the United States.

A representative for the FDA informed NBC News last week that the agency may take regulatory action, such as “working with the manufacturer to resolve the issue, and, as appropriate, taking steps to prevent the product from entering, or remaining, in the U.S. market,” if it finds that applesauce pouches have been tampered with.

The FDA stated that in order to check for any Negasmart products or cinnamon being imported from Ecuador, it is collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

According to the spokesman, the FDA has verified that neither Negasmart nor its clients transport goods directly to the United States at this time. Aguilera items were not mentioned in the announcement.

Conclusion

The identification of the likely source of lead contamination in cinnamon applesauce pouches underscores the importance of stringent food safety measures. As investigations continue, it is crucial for regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders to work together to ensure the integrity of food products. Consumers must remain vigilant and informed to protect their health and well-being from such hazards.