FDA Suspects Intentional Lead Contamination in Applesauce Pouches

Investigation into 'Economically Motivated Adulteration' Underway, with 125 Cases of Lead Poisoning Reported Across 22 States

FDA officials suspect the lead contamination in applesauce pouches, which has resulted in the poisoning of at least 65 children in the U.S., may have been intentional.
The contaminated pouches were manufactured by WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks, all linked to the same manufacturing facility in Ecuador.
The FDA is investigating the theory of 'economically motivated adulteration', suggesting that additives containing lead were intentionally used to enhance flavor or commercial viability.
The FDA is inspecting the Austrofoods facility in Ecuador and working with Ecuadorian authorities to inspect Negasmart, the supplier of cinnamon to Austrofoods.
As of December 8, there were 125 reported cases of lead poisoning linked to the recalled products across 22 states, with 46 confirmed, 68 probable, and 11 suspected.