Last data update: Jul 18, 2025. (Total: 49602 publications since 2009)
Records 1-1 (of 1 Records) |
Query Trace: Rumph JT[original query] |
---|
Investigation of Lead and Chromium Exposure After Consumption of Contaminated Cinnamon-Containing Applesauce - United States, November 2023-April 2024
Troeschel AN , Buser MC , Winquist A , Ruckart P , Yeh M , Kuai D , Chang A , Pennington AF , Rumph JT , Smith MR , Lara MV , Cataldo N , Lewis K , Arnold K , Harris S , Nicholas DC , Hughes M , Wortmann T , Norman E , Napier MD , Dillard J , Daniel J . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2025 74 (14) 239-244 Although lead poisoning can cause detrimental health effects, it is largely preventable. Common exposure sources include contaminated soil, water, and lead-based paint in homes built before the 1978 ban on residential lead-containing paint. In North Carolina, testing for lead is encouraged for all children at ages 1 and 2 years, and is required for children covered by Medicaid. In October 2023, routine pediatric blood lead testing and follow-up investigations conducted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services identified four asymptomatic cases of lead poisoning associated with consumption of cinnamon-containing applesauce packaged in pouches. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified lead in the cinnamon as the source of contamination; chromium was later also detected in the cinnamon. FDA alerted the public on October 28, and the distributor initiated a voluntary recall the following day. To estimate the impact of the event and characterize reported cases, CDC initiated a national call for cases (defined as a blood lead level [BLL] ≥3.5 μg/dL in a person of any age in ≤3 months after consuming a recalled cinnamon-containing applesauce product). During November 22, 2023-April 12, 2024, a total of 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico reported 566 cases (55% in children aged <2 years, including 20% that were temporally associated with symptoms). The median maximum venous BLL was 7.2 μg/dL (range = 3.5-39.3 μg/dL). The hundreds of children poisoned by this incident highlight the importance of preventing toxic metal contamination of food and promoting routine childhood blood lead testing and follow-up to identify lead exposure sources. Clinicians and public health practitioners should be aware of the potential for exposure to toxic metals from less common sources, including food. |
- Page last reviewed:Feb 1, 2024
- Page last updated:Jul 18, 2025
- Content source:
- Powered by CDC PHGKB Infrastructure