Lead Contamination in Applesauce Sparks FDA Investigation and Health Concerns

The FDA has discovered "extremely high" levels of lead in cinnamon at a plant in Ecuador that manufactured pouches of contaminated applesauce linked to at least 125 cases of suspected lead poisoning in children. The samples of cinnamon tested contained lead levels more than 2,000 times higher than proposed international limits. The FDA is investigating whether the poisoning was intentional but has limited authority over foreign suppliers. The recall of the pouches has raised concerns about the FDA's regulation of toxic metals in baby and toddler foods. Senator Richard Blumenthal has called for more comprehensive action from the FDA. The source of the contamination may have been economically motivated adulteration.