CNN –
Following further reports of illnesses possibly linked to lead in recalled fruit and applesauce bags, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it is examining cinnamon shipments from several countries for possible lead contamination. No illnesses or elevated blood lead levels have been reported with other types of cinnamon and products containing the popular holiday spice.
There have been 34 reports of illnesses linked to apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches sold under the WanaBanana, Weis and Schnucks brands, the FDA said Friday – a dozen more cases since an update on Monday. Cases have been identified in at least 22 states, and the agency says it continues to evaluate incoming reports of the disease.
The FDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local partners have investigated reports of high blood lead levels in children who consumed the bags manufactured in Ecuador. In a product sample of Dollar Tree’s WanaBana apple cinnamon puree, the level found was 2.18 parts per million, the agency said – more than 200 times higher than the action level the FDA used in previous draft guidelines for products intended for babies and toddlers had suggested children.
“FDA’s leading hypothesis is that the cinnamon used in these recalled bags is the likely source of contamination for these products,” the agency said in its update Friday, although it has not yet been able to test samples of the cinnamon used in the products.
“At this time, FDA has no indication that this issue extends beyond these recalled products, but to further protect public health, FDA is reviewing incoming shipments of cinnamon from multiple countries for lead contamination.”
This week, the CDC warned doctors to be on the lookout for children who may have been exposed to lead in the fetal sacs. The bags were sold at retailers including Amazon, Dollar Tree and Sam’s Club, as well as Schnucks and Weis stores.
Families should not eat or serve the products. They should be thrown away or returned to the store for a refund, the FDA says. Caregivers should take any children who have eaten these products for blood tests to determine whether they have been exposed to lead.
Lead is toxic to humans and there is no safe limit. Exposure is usually not immediately apparent but can cause developmental delays in children. Early symptoms of lead poisoning may include headache, stomach and muscle pain, vomiting, anemia, irritability, fatigue and weight loss.
CNN’s Jen Christensen contributed to this report.