The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about certain mussels from Allen’s Fisheries in Newfoundland, Canada, that were imported to the United States.

On March 1 the New Jersey Department of Health advised the FDA of an outbreak of illness associated with consumption of the mussels. The patients experienced symptoms including nausea, vomiting

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are now 468 patients spread across 44 states.

The FDA has confirmed that lead chromate is the source of lead and chromium in cinnamon applesauce marketed for children and imported from Ecuador.

Leaders at the FDA continue to believe the contamination was intentional.

The Food

Food Safety News reports that in the past week, the number of children affected by extremely high levels of lead in certain cinnamon applesauce pouches has grown.

On Feb. 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as of Feb. 9, it had received reports of 101 confirmed cases, 284 probable cases, and

Chromium and Lead in Applesauce has impacted over 400 in the US

As of January 30, 2024, the FDA has reported a total Complaint/Adverse Event Report: 90. Report Date Ranges: October 17, 2023 – January 16, 2024
States with Complaint/Report: AL (1), AR (1), AZ (1), CA (1), CT (1), FL (1), GA (2), IA

According to Food Safety News, the number of children affected by extremely high levels of lead in cinnamon applesauce pouches continues to grow, and some adults are now reported in the outbreak.

The outbreak has been traced to three brands of cinnamon applesauce: Wanabana, Schnucks, and Weis. Astrofoods produced all three in Ecuador and used

What are they thinking – not!

Product

Recalled cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products. Information on lot codes and UPCs can be found in the firm’s recall announcement.

  • Recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches – including three packs
  • Recalled Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack
  • Recalled Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches

Symptoms of

FDA is conducting an onsite inspection at the Austrofoods facility located in Ecuador. Cinnamon samples collected from the lots used in recalled products will undergo laboratory analysis. FDA will update this advisory to share the sample results once the analysis is complete. 

To date, the FDA has worked with Ecuadorian authorities to gather information about

The lead level detected in the FDA sample of WanaBana apple cinnamon puree is 2.18 parts per million (ppm), which, for context, is more than 200 times greater than the action level the FDA has proposed in draft guidance for fruit purees and similar products intended for babies and young children. 

Key Facts:

  • Total Adverse