CDC and FDA Probe Lead and Chromium Poisoning Outbreak from Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches

Applesauce Pouches Linked to Widespread Contamination

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collaborating with state and local partners to investigate an alarming outbreak of lead and chromium poisoning linked to cinnamon-containing apple purée and applesauce products. The agencies are urging consumers to discard affected products immediately and consult their healthcare providers if they or their children have consumed these items.

5 Key Points:

1. The outbreak has affected 519 individuals across 44 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
2. FDA product testing has identified high levels of both lead and chromium in cinnamon samples and recalled applesauce pouch products.
3. Chromium (VI), a known carcinogen, has been found in the recalled products, though its exact form is unclear.
4. There is no safe level of lead exposure, and the health effects of consuming food contaminated with chromium compounds are not well understood.
5. Children under six years of age are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

While the health effects of consuming food contaminated with chromium compounds like lead chromate are not well documented, laboratory animals have shown irritation and ulcers in the stomach and small intestine, as well as anemia, following ingestion of chromium (VI) compounds. It is challenging to predict the amount of chromium (VI) and chromium (III) absorbed from ingesting contaminated food, as chromium (VI) compounds may be converted to chromium (III) in acidic environments.

On the other hand, the dangers of lead exposure are well-established, with no safe level of exposure identified. Children exposed to lead may not exhibit acute symptoms, but even low levels of lead can cause learning and behavioral problems, hearing and speech difficulties, and slowed growth and development. These issues can manifest as lower IQ, decreased attention span, and underperformance in school. In cases of high lead exposure, children may experience acute lead poisoning symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, anemia, weakness, fatigue, and severe neurological symptoms like seizures, encephalopathy, and coma.

What Consumers Should Do:

1. Do not eat any recalled apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. Discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
2. Contact your healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test if you or your children may have consumed recalled products.
3. Discuss any potential chromium exposure with your healthcare provider, as treatment focuses on managing symptoms, and there is no specific antidote or evidence supporting chelation therapy.

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What Businesses Should Do:

1. Immediately stop selling or serving recalled apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches.
2. Properly discard the product by carefully opening the pouch, emptying the contents into a trash can, and then discarding the packaging to prevent others from salvaging recalled products from the trash.
3. Clean up any spills after discarding the product and wash your hands thoroughly.

Investigation Status and Case Definition

As of March 22, 2024, the CDC has received reports of 519 cases from state and local health departments, with 136 confirmed cases, 345 probable cases, and 38 suspect cases across 44 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. The investigation is ongoing, and cases are classified based on the level of information available and the results of follow-up assessments to rule out other potential sources of lead exposure.

Public Urged to Stay Vigilant 

The lead and chromium poisoning outbreak linked to cinnamon applesauce pouches is a serious public health concern, particularly for young children who are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of these contaminants. Consumers are advised to discard any recalled products and consult their healthcare providers if they or their children have consumed these items. The CDC and FDA continue to investigate the outbreak and provide updates as new information becomes available.