The number of patients affected by a lead poisoning outbreak tied to specific cinnamon applesauce products continues to rise, with more children identified as patients across 44 states, according to recent updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
As of the latest CDC report, the patient count has increased to 468 individuals, up from 422 in the previous update on February 13. The implicated products, including Wanabana, Schnucks, and Weis cinnamon applesauce, were recalled in the fall of 2023.
Cases are reported to the CDC through state health departments, requiring individuals to have a blood lead level of 3.5 ug/dL or higher measured within three months after consuming the recalled products since November 2022.
Meanwhile, the FDA, which uses a different tracking method, maintains a patient count of 90 as of February 27. Notably, the majority of patients identified by the FDA are one year old or younger.
The investigation into the outbreak persists, with both the FDA and Ecuadorian authorities, where the applesauce was produced, actively involved. Tests on the cinnamon used in the implicated products revealed alarming levels of lead, indicating contamination at levels far exceeding safety standards.
Recently, the FDA disclosed the identity of the company responsible for supplying the tainted cinnamon. According to reports, the cinnamon supplier, Carlos Aguilera of Ecuador, sold the contaminated spice to Negasmart, which further distributed it to Austrofoods, the final producer of the applesauce. While the cinnamon supplier is no longer in operation, the FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and assess potential links to other products.
FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, Jim Jones, expressed concern over intentional contamination of the cinnamon, suggesting that adding lead to spices could inflate their weight and value. However, the agency maintains that no confirmed reports of illnesses or elevated blood lead levels have been associated with other cinnamon-containing products.
Health officials emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare providers and conducting blood tests for children suspected of exposure to the recalled cinnamon applesauce. Symptoms of lead poisoning may include headaches, abdominal pain, anemia, and, in severe cases, developmental delays and brain damage.
Source: Food Safety News
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