The FDA is investigating whether contaminated applesauce was INTENTIONALLY contaminated with high levels of lead, prompting a massive recall

The FDA is investigating whether contaminated applesauce was intentionally contaminated with high levels of lead, prompting a massive recall.

The agency said Tuesday it is investigating an outbreak of lead poisoning from cinnamon applesauce that “could be a possible consequence of economically motivated adulteration.”

This investigation came as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received 205 reports of illness in 33 states as of Tuesday that may be linked to the recalled products.

The FDA has recalled WanaBana apple-cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and several packages and pouches of Weis brand cinnamon-applesauce after dozens of toddlers fell ill last month.

Children between one and three years old were affected. At least one child showed blood lead levels eight times higher than the level of concern, the CDC said.

Brands include WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce sachets. The products were sold in stores and online

This investigation came as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received 205 reports of illness in 33 states as of Tuesday that may be linked to the recalled products.

The FDA now said the cinnamon applesauce bags may have been intentionally contaminated.

The agency “can confirm that one of the theories the agency is investigating regarding the high lead levels in the recalled cinnamon applesauce bags is the possibility that the cinnamon contamination occurred as a possible result of economically motivated adulteration,” an FDA spokesperson told me. . Fox Business.

'Additional research must take place before the FDA reaches any conclusions. “The FDA will continue to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses,” the agency said.

The agency provided no further details about the theory.

On Tuesday, the FDA reported 69 cases of illnesses possibly linked to the products, involving children under the age of 6 in 28 states.

The CDC, which collects data differently, received 205 reports of cases in 33 states, up from 125 cases in 22 states last week as it tracked the lead poisoning outbreak.

During the inspection, FDA investigators collected samples of cinnamon supplied by Negasmart to Austrofoods, an Ecuador-based manufacturer, and discovered extremely high levels of lead contamination.

Some samples contained as much as 2,000 times the highest recommended amount of lead, the agency said in an update Monday.

The FDA has ended its on-site inspection in Ecuador, but is still relying on officials in Ecuador to support the investigation into Negasmart.

“To date, the FDA has confirmed that Negasmart does not ship products directly to the US and that of Negasmart's direct customers, only Austrofoods ships products to the US,” the statement read.

During the inspection, FDA investigators collected samples of cinnamon supplied by Negasmart to Austrofoods, an Ecuador-based manufacturer, and discovered extremely high levels of lead contamination.

Some samples contained as much as 2,000 times the highest recommended amount of lead allowed, the agency said in an update Monday.

Health officials are warning doctors and healthcare providers to be alert to cases of lead poisoning in children.

Symptoms reported included headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a change in activity level and anemia. Children may also experience abdominal pain and tremors.

WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis branded products can be found at Amazon, Dollar Tree, Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores, Weis supermarkets and multiple other online stores.

The recalled WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Puree was still on the shelves of several stores in multiple states earlier this month, according to a social media post from the FDA.

Health officials are urging parents and teachers to immediately stop using these products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

The recall of WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis products is not limited to the United States, but also includes Cuba and the United Arab Emirates.

Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child's health and cause well-documented health effects, including damage to the brain and nervous system, delayed growth and development, learning and behavioral problems, and hearing and speech problems.

The CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels of lead-infused blood than most children. In one of the affected children, blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

If parents suspect their child has been exposed to high levels of lead toxicity, the FDA recommends visiting a doctor and taking a blood lead test.