FDA has confirmed that lead and chromium detected in the cinnamon in applesauce pouches imported from Ecuador are from lead chromate. Three brands of applesauce pouches, manufactured in Ecuador and sold under WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks brands, were recalled last November due to lead contamination.
Historically, lead chromate has been illegally added to certain spices increase to their weight and enhance their color, which increases the monetary value of the adulterated spices, the agency said in a February 29 statement. FDA’s leading hypothesis remains that this was likely an act of economically motivated adulteration.
FDA has limited authority over foreign ingredient suppliers who do not directly ship product to the U.S. This is because their food undergoes further manufacturing/processing prior to export. Therefore, FDA has limited ability to take direct action with Negasmart, the supplier of cinnamon to Austrofoods, or Carlos Aguilera, the processor of the cinnamon sticks.
Ecuadorian officials in Agencia Nacional de Regulación, Control y Vigilancia Sanitaria (ARCSA) have reported that Carlos Aguilera of Ecuador, is the likely source of contamination and is not in operation at this time.
The CDC has identified 468 total cases of contamination in 44 states. The investigation is ongoing.
This makes no sense. FDA is not testing products that are imported into the US? This is required for US companies to test and they have to eat the cost to do so. Surely the FDA can charge the import company to test here prior to releasing for consumers. The public is tired of FDA’s excuses especially when our children are intentionally posioned