Lead contamination in applesauce possibly ‘economically motivated’, says FDA

Food and Drug Administration is investigating facility in Ecuador and working with authorities to inspect cinnamon supplier

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday said it thinks elevated levels of lead in cinnamon applesauce that has poisoned dozens of American children could be linked to deliberate additives in the cinnamon, and is inspecting a food facility in Ecuador.

There have been more than 60 reports of children reporting “adverse effects” after eating applesauce and apple puree pouches from the brands WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis. The products have been recalled.