FDA Warns of Lead in Apple Puree: Health Alert for Popular Fruit Product

Food Safety Concerns Arise for Apple Cinnamon Puree Pouches

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning letter to Austrofood S.A.S., the manufacturer of a popular brand of apple cinnamon fruit puree products, due to elevated levels of lead found in their products. This development raises significant concerns about food safety, particularly for products marketed toward young children and infants.

5 Key Points

• FDA issues warning letter to Austrofood S.A.S. over high lead levels in apple cinnamon puree
• Multi-state investigation reveals “extremely high concentrations of lead” in the product
• The contamination is traced to ground cinnamon used in the puree
• 39 cases of the product were recalled, but dangerous levels were still found on store shelves
• The product violates the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

FDA’s Warning and Product Recall

The FDA’s warning letter, addressed to Austrofood S.A.S. president Francisco Jose Peña Cordovez, follows a recall initiated last year. The recall was prompted by elevated levels of lead and chromium in the company’s apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. Despite a U.S.-based distributor recalling 39 cases, investigators have continued to find dangerous levels of lead in these products on store shelves.

The FDA’s letter states, “[L]aboratory analysis of multiple lots of your apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches detected extremely high concentrations of lead.” This finding underscores the severity of the contamination and the potential health risks associated with the product.

Multi-State Investigation Uncovers Widespread Issue

The discovery of lead in apple puree was not an isolated incident. A comprehensive multi-state investigation involving several health and agriculture departments illuminated the issue. The investigation included:

1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
2. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
3. North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
4. Maryland Department of Health
5. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

This collaborative effort highlights the seriousness of the contamination and the broad reach of the affected products across multiple states.

Source of Contamination: Ground Cinnamon

Investigators have traced the high lead concentrations in the puree to the ground cinnamon used in its production. The FDA’s warning letter explains, “Austrofood used cinnamon powder as an ingredient in the apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, a product intended for young children, including infants as young as six months old. Lead is often found in spices, including cinnamon, from the environment where it is grown or processed, and oral exposure to elevated levels of lead can pose health risks to humans, especially babies and young children.”

This finding raises broader concerns about the safety of spices used in food products, particularly those marketed for infants and young children. It also highlights the need for stringent quality control measures in the food supply chain, especially for ingredients sourced from various global locations.

Violations of Food Safety Regulations

The presence of lead in apple puree violates multiple sections of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). Specifically:

1. The products contain poisonous substances, violating the food safety provisions of the FD&C Act.
2. Sending these foods to the United States violated interstate commerce clauses of the Act.

These violations underscore the serious nature of the contamination and the legal implications for Austrofood S.A.S.

Health Risks Associated with Lead Exposure

The presence of lead in food products, especially those intended for infants and young children, poses significant health risks. Lead exposure can have severe and long-lasting effects on child development, including:

1. Developmental delays
2. Learning difficulties
3. Behavioral problems
4. Decreased IQ
5. Hearing and speech problems

Even low levels of lead exposure can be harmful, making the “extremely high concentrations” in these products particularly concerning.

FDA’s Demand for Corrective Action

In response to these findings, the FDA has given Austrofood S.A.S. 15 days to respond to the warning letter. The company must detail its steps to ensure that its products are no longer dangerous. This may include:

1. Changing ingredient sourcing practices
2. Implementing more rigorous testing protocols
3. Improving quality control measures
4. Enhancing product safety standards

The FDA’s swift action demonstrates the agency’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the safety of the food supply, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants and young children.

Consumer Advice and Next Steps

While the investigation and corrective actions are ongoing, consumers are advised to:

1. Check their pantries for any recalled apple cinnamon fruit puree products
2. Dispose of any affected products immediately
3. Consult with their healthcare provider if they have concerns about potential lead exposure
4. Stay informed about any further updates or recalls related to this issue

FAQ

Q: What specific product is affected by this lead contamination?

A: The affected product is apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches manufactured by Austrofood S.A.S., an Ecuadorean company.

Q: How was the lead contamination discovered?

A: The contamination was uncovered through a multi-state investigation involving the FDA and several state health and agriculture departments.

Q: What is the source of the lead contamination in the apple puree?

A: Investigators traced the high concentrations of lead in the ground cinnamon used in the production of the apple cinnamon puree.

Q: What health risks are associated with lead exposure, especially for children?

A: Lead exposure can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, behavioral problems, decreased IQ, and hearing and speech problems, among other health issues. Even low levels of exposure can be harmful, especially for infants and young children.

Q: What should consumers do if they have purchased this product?

A: Consumers should check their pantries for recalled apple cinnamon fruit puree products, dispose of them immediately, and consult their healthcare provider if they have concerns about potential lead exposure.

Citations

Moran, M. (2024, August 15). FDA warns producer about lead levels in its apple cinnamon puree products. MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/fda-warns-producer-about-lead-levels-in-its-apple-cinnamon-puree-products/ar-AA1oSwhZ