The FDA is investigating whether the presence of lead in three brands of applesauce was not as accidental as initially thought, according to a report by Politico.
Three separate brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce puree pouches have been under investigation: WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches were all subject to recall after elevated lead levels were found in the blood of North Carolina children.
One theory presented by the FDA is that there was a financial motivation to altering the ingredients so that the products could be made more cheaply and generate more profit.
“We’re still in the midst of our investigation. But so far all of the signals we’re getting lead to an intentional act on the part of someone in the supply chain, and we’re trying to sort of figure that out,” FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones told Politico.
The FDA had received 65 reports of “adverse events potentially linked to recalled product” as of December 11. All reports involved children under the age of 6.
The CDC is investigating these cases in conjunction with state and local health departments.
For the most part, children who were exposed to the lead-laden applesauce showed “no obvious immediate symptoms,” according to the FDA. However, they caution that short-term exposure could cause “headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and anemia. Longer-term exposure to lead can cause irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, tremor and muscle aches or burning.”
If you think your child ingested any of these tainted products, it is recommended they get taken to their health care provider and get a blood test.