FDA recalls applesauce linked to lead poisoning

The Food and Drug Association (FDA) has issued a recall for cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products after reports that link the applesauce to cases of lead poisoning.

The FDA tested samples of the spice as it investigates at least 65 cases of lead poisoning in children in the U.S. that are linked to contaminated cinnamon applesauce pouches.

The FDA has said that consumers should not eat or buy the WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, which are sold nationally through Amazon, Dollar Tree, and other online stores, the Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack, and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.

One sample of cinnamon used as an ingredient in the recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree contained lead levels that were more than 2,000 times higher than proposed safety limits, saying its testing showed that the cinnamon samples of the applesauce contained “extremely high levels of lead.” One sample contained lead levels of 5,110 parts per million, about 2,000 times higher than proposed international safety standards from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization of 2.5 parts per million for spices that include cinnamon.

On Friday, the FDA said in a statement that the lead contamination in the cinnamon pouches may be the result of economically motivated adulteration, also known as “food fraud.”

According to the FDA, food fraud can occur when cheaper ingredients are added to a product to enhance it or bulk it up, but that information is not disclosed.

WanaBana said it is working with the FDA on the investigation of its product.

On Monday, the company said that it would reimburse parents with children affected by the recall “up to a total amount of $150” for health care visits and blood testing related to lead poisoning.

Information on lot codes and UPCs can be found in the firm's recall announcement.

For more information, visit www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness