Overview

• 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.