Lead Tainted Apple Sauce by Sophie Kuipers
Earlier this week, it was reported that numerous apple sauces were recalled due to lead contamination. Lead is an element toxic to humans of all ages, but it is especially crucial to protect children from it because children are more susceptible to lead toxicity.
Brands affected by the recall include WanaBana’s apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs, and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.
The FDA says the investigation is still ongoing and recommends that consumers do not eat, sell, or serve the recalled brands. They also recommend that consumers check their pantries for the product as they have a long shelf life, and to throw out any product they may find.
As of February 29, 2024, the FDA has updated that after an analysis collected from the manufacturer of the product in Ecuador, that the lead and chromium content found in the applesauce products are from lead chrominate. According to the New York Times, the FDA has also stated that a spice grinder was the likely cause of the contamination. The FDA has also stated that, historically speaking, lead chromate has been added to certain spices illegally. This has been in order to increase the spice’s weight and color, which increases their value. As of February 29, 2024, the FDA’s hypothesis is that this was most likely an “act of economically motivated adulteration.”
Brands affected by the recall include WanaBana’s apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety packs, and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.
The FDA says the investigation is still ongoing and recommends that consumers do not eat, sell, or serve the recalled brands. They also recommend that consumers check their pantries for the product as they have a long shelf life, and to throw out any product they may find.
As of February 29, 2024, the FDA has updated that after an analysis collected from the manufacturer of the product in Ecuador, that the lead and chromium content found in the applesauce products are from lead chrominate. According to the New York Times, the FDA has also stated that a spice grinder was the likely cause of the contamination. The FDA has also stated that, historically speaking, lead chromate has been added to certain spices illegally. This has been in order to increase the spice’s weight and color, which increases their value. As of February 29, 2024, the FDA’s hypothesis is that this was most likely an “act of economically motivated adulteration.”