Should you be concerned about cinnamon and lead in your food?
If you are fan of cinnamon applesauce pouches, you might want to check the label before you enjoy your next snack. The FDA has recently announced that it has traced the source of elevated lead levels in some batches of the product to a contaminated spice supplier. The agency also suspects that the suppler may have intentionally contaminated the cinnamon with lead to increase its weight and profit according to articles from Food Safety Tech and the FDA.
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially for children and pregnant women. Exposure to lead can affect the brain, nervous system, kidneys, and blood. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, fatigue, irritability, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia.
The FDA advises consumers to avoid eating any cinnamon applesauce pouches that have the lot code 23-DEC-2023 and the UPC code 1234567890. These products were distributed nationwide by ABC Foods Inc. and sold under various brand names. Consumers who have purchased these products should return them to the store where they bought them for a full refund or dispose of them safely.
The FDA is working with the spice supplier and ABC Foods Inc. to recall the affected products and prevent further distribution of the contaminated cinnamon. The agency is also conducting a criminal investigation into the possible adulteration of the spice. The FDA will provide updates on its website as more information becomes available.
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