Imports of cinnamon from multiple countries have been linked to reports of children sickened as a result of lead contamination after eating pouches of applesauce and apple puree, reports AP News. As of last Wednesday, the agency had received 52 reports of elevated lead levels, up from the 34 reports the week prior.
The affected pouches were marketed under three brands: WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree and Schnucks and Weis Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches. National chains, including Dollar Tree, Schnucks, and Weis sold these products as did online retailers like Amazon.
“This product should not be available for sale and consumers should not purchase or consume this product,” the agency said.
FDA believes cinnamon imported from a manufacturer in Ecuador was likely a source of the lead contamination. Exposure to the heavy metal can lead to learning and behavior problems.
The agency added, “short-term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms: headache, abdominal pain/colic, vomiting, or anemia. Longer-term exposure could result in the following additional symptoms: irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning, constipation, difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness, tremor, or weight loss.”
The CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter to identify children with heightened levels of lead in their system. The affected children’s blood levels ranged from four to 29 micrograms per deciliter. Full Story
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