The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially confirmed that lead chromate is the source of lead and chromium found in cinnamon applesauce marketed for children and imported from Ecuador. Authorities strongly believe the contamination was intentional, raising serious concerns about the safety of food products reaching the market.
The contamination, discovered to be up to 2,000 times the safe levels, prompted the recall of three brands in November 2023: Wanabana, Schnucks, and Weis. The FDA suspects an act of economically motivated adulteration, with lead chromate historically added to spices to increase weight and color for financial gain.
Despite the FDA’s efforts, regulatory limitations over foreign ingredient suppliers have hindered direct action against Negasmart, the cinnamon supplier to Ecuadorian applesauce manufacturer Austrofoods, and Carlos Aguilera, the cinnamon processor. The Ecuadorian government reports that Carlos Aguilera, identified as the likely source of contamination, is not currently operational.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a rise in affected individuals, with 468 patients across 44 states, including 90 children with adverse reactions. While the FDA asserts that the issue seems confined to the recalled products, concerns persist over the extent of the contamination and its potential impact on public health.
An investigation by The New York Times and the non-profit group “The Examination” revealed alarming gaps in the U.S. food supply chain. Austrofood, the Ecuadorian processor, was not required to test for toxic metals, and the FDA’s reduced spot checks at the border allowed the contaminated applesauce to enter the country unchecked.
Health officials in Ecuador have traced the unprocessed cinnamon sticks to Sri Lanka, confirming they were free from lead contamination. This revelation, coupled with the breakdowns in the supply chain, highlights the critical need for stronger regulatory measures and increased oversight to safeguard the food supply.
Parents and caretakers are urged to consult healthcare providers and request blood tests for children who may have consumed the recalled cinnamon applesauce. Short-term exposure symptoms include headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia, while longer-term exposure may lead to irritability, lethargy, muscle aches, and developmental delays. The FDA emphasizes the importance of monitoring and providing supportive care to those affected while investigating the root causes of this alarming contamination.