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Federal investigators have discovered a second contaminant in recalled applesauce pouches – the naturally occurring metal chromium, which in a certain form can cause a range of adverse health effects.
The finding is the latest development in the Food and Drug Administration's international investigation into high levels of lead in cinnamon applesauce pouches marketed to children. The recalled fruit puree pouches were manufactured in Ecuador and sold under the brand names WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking at least 287 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of lead exposure in 37 states linked to the applesauce recall.
The FDA has reported that exceptionally high levels of lead were found in cinnamon samples from the factory in Ecuador where the bags were manufactured. On Friday, the authorities reported that they had also found chromium. Chromium is an essential mineral found in foods and supplements, but in one form – called chromium-6 – it can be harmful.
The agency's investigators examined two cinnamon samples collected from the manufacturer in Ecuador and found 1,201 and 531 parts per million of chromium, respectively. Investigators retested samples from the recalled WanaBana cinnamon apple puree bags and found 0.590 and 0.566 parts per million of chromium.
The Food and Drug Administration said it was unable to determine the specific form of chromium detected in the cinnamon applesauce bags or whether it posed a health risk. Federal investigators say people who ate the applesauce pouches, particularly those who had elevated blood lead levels, may have been exposed to chromium and should tell their doctor so they can “monitor their health and provide supportive care if necessary.”
In its guidance to health care providers regarding the contamination and recall, the CDC noted that chromium-3 is an essential nutrient found in a regular diet and in some dietary supplements. However, it added that “chronic, prolonged inhalation and dermal exposure” to chromium-6 is associated with chronic lung disease and ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes. “The exact form of chromium in the recalled applesauce products is unclear,” the agency said.
Lead chromate, which contains the potentially toxic chromium-6, has historically been used to enhance the coloring of turmeric. Federal investigators say the “lead-chromium ratio” in the applesauce bags “is consistent with that of lead chromate.”
According to the CDC, taking chromium can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and kidney and liver dysfunction. The agency also says there is no antidote to treat chromium exposure.
“Information about the health effects of consuming foods contaminated with chromium (VI) is limited,” the FDA statement said.
The FDA says the agency is still investigating what caused the lead and chromium contamination and “whether additional products are associated with illness.”
However, the researchers said the chromium in lead chromate could be converted to the less toxic form chromium-3 “due to the acidity of the applesauce and stomach.”
Michael Beuhler, the medical director of North Carolina Poison Control, said the discovery of chromium in applesauce and cinnamon does not necessarily mean the substance is harmful. He said that “at the levels we're talking about,” he doesn't think there would be much chromium-6 in the bags. Any chromium-6 that may have been present would likely turn into a nontoxic form once in the applesauce bags, he said.
He said lead chromate may have been added to cinnamon as a powder to affect the weight and color of the spice. Lead chromate can be more than six times heavier than cinnamon, he said.
“I don’t think this is a cause for additional concern,” Beuhler said. “But it does suggest why it happened.”
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