The recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches contaminated with lead that sickened hundreds of children were not tested for the heavy metals at the manufacturing plant, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation finds.
An FDA document, first obtained by CBS News, details an inspection of the Austrofood factory in Ecuador that happened at the beginning of December.
The inspection found that "numerous rough edges, chipped, and pitted areas" on a stainless-steel conveyor belt led to metal pieces breaking off and ending up in the final product.
It also found that the raw cinnamon used by the plant contained lead, but the FDA states there are no other issues or illnesses reported involving other products containing cinnamon.
The document states the factory did not test the raw ingredients or the finished apple sauce for traces of heavy metals.
Continuing coverage:Applesauce pouches recalled for lead could have been contaminated intentionally: Reports
Aside from listing reasons the applesauce was contaminated with foreign metal bodies, the FDA's inspection found other sanitary issues at the plant.
The document states the plant did not have "adequate sanitary facilities and accommodations."
It also notes steps in the pasteurization process, the process of heating foods to destroy microorganisms, were not adequately followed.
The FDA lists the following brands as recalled:
As of Jan. 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says they have received a total of 385 reports on lead poisoning cases across 42 states tied to the recall.
The CDC recommends folks not eat any of the recalled apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches. Those who have been exposed should get their blood tested for lead.
The agency has previously said children whose blood results reveal more than 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter are considered by the agency to have elevated levels. The children affected by this recall had 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.
According to the FDA, parents should consult a health provider if they believe their children have been exposed to lead.
Toddlers and children with short-term exposure to lead might feel the following:
Toddlers and children with long-term exposure to lead might feel the following:
The first recalls were first issued on Oct. 29 by WanaBana. The FDA later widened that to include Schnuck and Weiss brands.
In three months, hundreds of lead poisoning cases connected to the fruit pouches were reported to the CDC.
According to the FDA, the case involving the recalls is still ongoing and it will provide updates as they are made available.
Contributing: Mike Snider, James Powell
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This story fpreviously aired on Oct. 31, 2015. It was updated on June 22, 2024.Produced by Judy Ryba
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