FDA Finds ‘Extremely High’ Lead Levels in Cinnamon at Ecuador Plant That Made Tainted Fruit Pouches

Three recalled applesauce products—WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack, and Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches. FDA via AP

U.S. food inspectors found “extremely high” levels of lead in cinnamon at a plant in Ecuador that made applesauce pouches tainted with the metal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Monday. The recalled pouches have been linked to dozens of illnesses in U.S. children.

Cinnamon tested from the plant had lead levels more than 2,000 times higher than a maximum level proposed by the FDA, officials said.