CDC Warns Testing Laboratories to Prepare for Potential Influx of Lead Testing Requests as FDA Investigates Source of Lead Contamination in Cinnamon Imports

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned testing laboratories across the United States to prepare for a potential influx of lead testing requests, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun screening imports of cinnamon from multiple countries for toxic lead contamination.

The FDA’s investigation was prompted by reports of children who had become ill after eating pouches of applesauce and apple puree. As of Friday, 34 children in 22 states had been identified as having been poisoned by lead, and the FDA believes that cinnamon from a manufacturer in Ecuador is the likely source of the contamination.

The FDA has been working with state and local health departments to investigate the source of the contamination and to identify any other products that may be affected. The agency is also working with the CDC to monitor the health of those affected by the lead poisoning.

The FDA is urging consumers to check their pantries for any recalled products and to discard them immediately. The agency is also advising consumers to contact their healthcare provider if they have any concerns about their health or the health of their children.

The FDA is continuing to investigate the source of the contamination and is working to prevent similar incidents in the future. The agency is also urging consumers to be vigilant about checking food labels and to report any suspicious products to the FDA.