Senator Scott Has Cinnamon On His Mind.
Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) has called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the source of cinnamon used in recalled products, prompted by alarming reports of elevated lead levels in cinnamon applesauce pouches.
As of December 5, the FDA has reported that 64 children under the age of 6 in the United States tested positive for lead poisoning after consuming apple puree pouches recently recalled due to lead contamination.
Recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches that potentially poisoned 65 young children might have been intentionally contaminated with lead, the FDA said to Politico on Friday. Scripps News
The affected products were marketed to parents and children under the brands WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks- and Weis-branded cinnamon applesauce pouches.
Senator Scott, in a letter addressed to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf on December 15, highlighted that the high lead levels were associated with the cinnamon in the product, not the applesauce itself. He expressed concern that the company responsible for these fruit pouches sourced cinnamon from an Ecuadorian supplier, possibly obtaining it from Asian countries, including Communist China.
Sen. #RickScott (R-Fla.) has urged the Food and Drug Administration (#FDA) to investigate the sourcing of #cinnamon … https://t.co/6hUvCTLAHL
— The Epoch Times – China Insider (@EpochTimesChina) December 16, 2023
The senator outlined potential sources of elevated lead levels in spices like cinnamon, including contamination in the soil, supply chain processing, or economically motivated adulteration, such as adding lead chromate to increase the product’s weight.
Scott emphasized that the FDA was treating the cinnamon contamination as a potential case of economic adulteration, a serious issue highlighting the vulnerability of the U.S. supply chain.
Drawing attention to China’s history of economically motivated adulteration, Scott recalled instances such as the 2008 scandal involving melamine in infant formula, resulting in kidney failure and deaths among infants.
Recently, the FDA and CDC warned parents not to buy or feed their kids certain brands of cinnamon applesauce pouches because they were found to have lead in them. Opt for products with clean label project certification! Dr. Tanya R. Altmann
In his letter, Scott posed several questions to the FDA, including inquiries about the agency’s policies on preventing heavy metal contamination in common herbs and spices and whether it was actively investigating the cinnamon sourcing in the recalled products.
Expressing urgency, Scott urged the FDA to respond promptly, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive actions to ensure the safety of the nation’s children.
The FDA, suspecting an intentional act, initiated an onsite inspection at the Ecuadorian facility responsible for producing the cinnamon apple pouches. Jim Jones, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, suggested that the contamination might be intentional and aimed at markets with less stringent regulatory processes.
The FDA is investigating whether cinnamon in some popular applesauce snack pouches was tainted, leading to lead poisoning for dozens of children. The New York Times
Jones mentioned in an interview with Politico that the individuals in the supply chain possibly did not anticipate the product ending up in a country with robust regulatory measures, highlighting a potential oversight in the distribution strategy.
The FDA affirmed its ongoing investigation, including onsite inspections and ingredient sample collection in Ecuador. Lead exposure poses serious health risks, with toxicity affecting individuals of all ages. In adults, elevated lead levels can lead to various health issues, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular effects, kidney problems, reproductive complications, and gout.
The FDA has learned that the recent lead contamination in the recalled WanaBana brand cinnamon applesauce, which potentially poisoned 65 children, may have been intentional. pic.twitter.com/OZPkE2IJtP
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) December 16, 2023
While children with lead exposure may not exhibit immediate symptoms, the FDA advises parents and caretakers to consult healthcare professionals if exposure is suspected. Short-term exposure may result in headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia, while long-term exposure can lead to a range of symptoms, including irritability, fatigue, muscle aches, difficulty concentrating, and weight loss.
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In light of these concerns, Senator Rick Scott’s call for FDA action underscores the importance of safeguarding the nation’s food supply chain and protecting the health of its most vulnerable consumers.
Major Points Discussed:
- Senator Rick Scott calls for FDA investigation into lead contamination in cinnamon applesauce pouches.
- 64 children under 6 in the U.S. tested positive for lead poisoning from recently recalled products.
- Concerns focus on cinnamon sourcing, possibly from an Ecuadorian supplier linked to Asian countries, including Communist China.
- Scott raises alarm about potential economic adulteration and highlights China’s history of deceptive practices in food products.
- FDA suspects intentional contamination, initiates onsite inspection in Ecuador, and emphasizes the serious health risks of lead exposure for all age groups.
Comments – Threads – Links
- Sen. Rick Scott Urges FDA to Probe If Lead-Tainted Cinnamon Was Sourced From China – Larry Elder
- We need to bring back manufacturing to the United States and stop buying from China in my opinion. Sen. Rick Scott Urges FDA to Probe If Lead-Tainted Cinnamon Was Sourced From China – Lindsey’s missing conscience
- I’m urging the US_FDA to investigate the alleged high levels of heavy metals in herbs and spices from untrustworthy countries like Communist China. It’s alarming that we could be feeding our families unsafe food. Americans deserve to know the truth! – Rick Scott
- Lead contamination in cinnamon applesauce pouches that sickened dozens of young children may have been an “intentional act,” a US Food and Drug Administration official told Politico. – KRDO13
- Lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches that have sickened dozens of US kids may have been intentionally contaminated, the FDA says. A deputy commissioner says FDA is still investigating but all signs so far point to a nefarious act w/in the supply chain – Delthia Ricks
