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International Investigation of Lead and Chromium Contamination in Imported Apple Puree
Natalie Cataldo1, Brett D Weed1, Kailey Lewis1
1Human Foods Program, Food and Drug Administration.
Insights
A 2023 investigation linked apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to elevated blood lead levels in children. Lead chromate in ground cinnamon from Ecuador was identified as the source, prompting product recalls and enhanced surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Food Safety
Background:
- In October 2023, elevated blood lead levels were reported in children consuming apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches.
- This prompted an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source of lead contamination in apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches.
- To identify the specific contaminant and its origin.
Main Methods:
- International traceback investigation of contaminated products.
- Development of novel laboratory methods for contaminant identification.
- Analysis of product samples for lead concentration.
Main Results:
- 556 cases of high blood lead levels were identified across 44 states.
- Lead chromate was identified as the contaminant in products from Ecuador.
- Lead concentrations were found to be 100- to 600-times above the FDA action level.
- A cinnamon processor was identified as the likely source of lead chromate contamination.
Conclusions:
- Consumption of contaminated apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches poses a risk of lead exposure in children.
- Findings underscore the potential for toxic element exposure from non-traditional food sources.
- Enhanced surveillance of spices like cinnamon is crucial for preventing future public health issues.
Abstract:
In October 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was notified about four children in North Carolina who had high blood lead levels that were associated with consumption of apple cinnamon fruit puree from pouches. FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state and local partners, launched an international investigation into the source of lead contamination. FDA received 90 consumer complaints from 32 states, while CDC identified 556 cases of high blood lead levels with a variety of symptoms in 44 states. Novel laboratory methods were developed to identify the specific contaminant: lead chromate. Testing of products produced in Ecuador found lead concentrations 100- to 600-times above the FDA action level. The traceback investigation identified a cinnamon processor as the likely source of the contaminant. The investigation found that the lead and chromium in the apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches were likely due to lead chromate found in the ground cinnamon. The investigation led to the recall of these apple puree products and enhanced surveillance of cinnamon. The findings highlight the potential for children to be exposed to toxic elements from nontraditional sources and could help inform blood lead investigations in children.
