"FDA’s onsite inspection of the Austrofoods facility in Ecuador has ended. However, the FDA investigation of the elevated lead levels in recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches continues. During the inspection, investigators collected samples of cinnamon supplied by Negasmart to Austrofoods. These samples have undergone analysis and results show extremely high levels of lead contamination, 5110 parts per million (ppm) and 2270 ppm. For context, the international standard-setting body, Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex)External Link Disclaimer is considering adopting a maximum level of 2.5 ppm for lead in bark spices, including cinnamon, in 2024."
CDC has received the following reports from state and local health departments:
This contamination issue, according to FDA, is likely due to adulteration. "Spices such as turmeric, cinnamon and paprika have been known to be mixed with lead chromate or lead oxide, compounds that mirror the spices' colors, said Karen Everstine, technical director for FoodchainID, a company that tracks food supply chains." “The intent is not to make people sick. Nobody wants to do that because then they get caught,” Everstine said. “What they want to do is make money.”
The import of this product does fall under regulation. The foreign company manufacturing the product would be operating under Preventive Controls for Human Foods, and the importer would have to comply with the Foreign Supplier Verification program. Most of this however, focuses on known hazards. Intentional adulteration can be more difficult to control, especially when it occurs at a foreign manufacturer using an ingredient from a foreign source that does not enter the US.
Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (November 2023)
Do not eat, sell, or serve multiple brands of recalled apple cinnamon fruit pouches. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Content current as of: 12/19/2023
Current Update
December 19, 2023
- Total Cases: 205
- Confirmed Cases: 67
- Probable Cases: 122
- Suspect Cases: 16
- States: (33 total) AL, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV
- Recall: Yes
This contamination issue, according to FDA, is likely due to adulteration. "Spices such as turmeric, cinnamon and paprika have been known to be mixed with lead chromate or lead oxide, compounds that mirror the spices' colors, said Karen Everstine, technical director for FoodchainID, a company that tracks food supply chains." “The intent is not to make people sick. Nobody wants to do that because then they get caught,” Everstine said. “What they want to do is make money.”
The import of this product does fall under regulation. The foreign company manufacturing the product would be operating under Preventive Controls for Human Foods, and the importer would have to comply with the Foreign Supplier Verification program. Most of this however, focuses on known hazards. Intentional adulteration can be more difficult to control, especially when it occurs at a foreign manufacturer using an ingredient from a foreign source that does not enter the US.
Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (November 2023)
Do not eat, sell, or serve multiple brands of recalled apple cinnamon fruit pouches. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Content current as of: 12/19/2023
Current Update
December 19, 2023
