Wtf??
Part 1: Unveiling the Alarming Cinnamon Applesauce Recall: A Closer Look at the Widespread and Worsening Crisis
The recent developments regarding the Cinnamon Applesauce Recall have evoked disappointment, frustration, concern, and shock among parents, consumers, and caregivers alike. The @wanabanausa @schnuckmarkets @weismarkets Cinnamon Applesauce pouches were recalled in October due to concern for elevated levels of lead. Unfortunately, this recall continues to rear its ugly head, and it seems uglier each time. The FDA has released various updates on the situation, with the most recent being 1/8/24 (see the link below). The unsettling updates from the @fda speak for themselves: 87 confirmed cases of elevated lead levels / adverse effects and a looming cloud of many more suspected cases that have yet to be brought to light.
The worst part of this most recent update though?
They also found elevated chromium levels....
The Shocking Revelation: The FDA's latest update, available at the link above showcases a startling reality. The affected products reportedly contained lead levels ranging from 200 to 2,000 times the "normal" level for bark spices. While lead is often discussed as a concern in foods, these levels are like *off the charts. This revelation intensifies an already troubling situation, prompting us to question the effectiveness of quality control measures in the production and distribution processes. Adding to the unease is the more unnerving thought – if levels were nearly off the charts, was this an accident or something done more deliberately?
With this most recent update, we now also have elevated chromium levels. The trouble with chromium, it has even less testing and specifics associated. This excerpt is from the FDA's page, and explains what I mean:
"Chromium is a naturally occurring element. It is an essential trace nutrient important to the diet that exists predominantly in two forms, chromium (III) and chromium (VI). Chromium (VI) is more toxic than chromium (III). Due to limitations in available testing methods, FDA was not able to definitively determine the form of chromium in the cinnamon apple puree sample (i.e., whether the chromium present is chromium (III) or chromium (VI)). The lead-to-chromium ratio in the cinnamon apple puree sample is consistent with that of lead chromate (PbCrO4) (which contains chromium (VI)), but this is not a definitive indicator that lead chromate or chromium (VI) (the more toxic form of chromium) was present. Information on the health effects of eating food contaminated with chromium (VI) are limited. The chromium in lead chromate may also be converted to chromium (III) (the less toxic form of chromium) due to the acidity of the applesauce and the stomach."
Timeline of Events: The recall initially came to light on October 28/29. Per the FDA's website, "On October 28, 2023, the FDA discussed the analytical findings with WanaBana LLC and issued a safety alert warning consumers not to use WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree products. The same day, Wanabana LLC agreed to voluntarily recall the WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree products." A public press release from the company followed on October 30, shedding light on the issue publicly. Following this, Weis and Schnuck's brands were also recalled due to concern for elevated lead levels. On a call that I was able to join in early November, Jim Jones, our new Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. at the FDA, confirmed quick actions and investigation had taken place. I am proud to say that in many ways, he kept his word. Officials were able to trace the contaminated cinnamon to Ecuador. From here, things have gotten a little messier though... On November 30, 2023, Austrofood, along with Wanabana USA, the distributor of WanaBana products in the United States, released a statement that reports that Wanabana has conducted a root cause investigation. Based on this investigation, the leading hypothesis is that the cinnamon is the source of the elevated lead levels in the recalled products. The statement released by Wanabana USA and Austrofood states that the cinnamon used to manufacture the recalled products was supplied by Negocios Asociados Mayoristas S.A., operating as Negasmart, a third-party distribution company located in Ecuador. At that time, FDA confirmed that Negasmart does not import cinnamon directly into the U.S.
December 5, 2023: The FDA continued to coordinate with Ecuadorian authorities on the investigation of the source of elevated lead levels in the cinnamon apple pouches. The Ecuadorian authorities report that Negasmart's cinnamon had higher levels of lead than allowed by Ecuador and that Negasmart, the supplier of cinnamon to Austrofoods, is currently under an Ecuadorian administrative sanctions process to determine the responsible party for the contamination.
December 18, 2023: FDA’s onsite inspection of the Austrofoods facility in Ecuador has ended. The FDA investigation of the elevated lead levels in recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches continues overall. During the inspection, investigators collected samples of cinnamon supplied by Negasmart to Austrofoods. These samples have undergone analysis and results show extremely high levels of lead contamination, 5110 parts per million (ppm) and 2270 ppm. Due to the fact that Negasmart does not ship cinnamon directly to the U.S., the FDA has had somewhat limited abilities, primarily working through Ecuador officials. In addition to coordinating with Ecuadorian officials, FDA takes steps to make other countries aware of the ongoing investigation into elevated lead levels in cinnamon applesauce pouches manufactured by Austrofoods. As part of this effort, FDA sends updates of the FDA public health advisory to other countries through the World Health Organization (WHO) International Food Safety Authority Network (INFOSAN), which includes more than 200 partner countries.
January 5, 2024: "In FDA’s testing of the recalled products and the cinnamon collected from the Austrofoods facility, the agency has found chromium."
Okay, and now we are caught up to that most recent update.. Phew.... that was a lot...
Ongoing Presence on Store Shelves: One of the worst pieces to this story for me was the revelation that, as of December 13 and December 19, reports continued to surface of these hazardous products remaining on store shelves. Specifically, @dollartree and @familydollar are mentioned as the outlets where these recalled items persisted. Per the FDA, "In addition, the testing results previously reported for the sample of recalled WanaBana cinnamon apple puree pouch collected from Dollar Tree had a lead concentration of 2.18 ppm which, for context, is more than 200 times greater than the action level of 0.01 ppm that the FDA has proposed in draft guidance for fruit purees and similar products intended for babies and young children." Now, please notice the timeframe here. Products were initially recalled in late October/early November, yet are still on store shelves in mid-December?? On December 20, I took a trip to my own, local Dollar Tree - I was pleased to find that products had been removed and a sign/safety update had been hung to alert consumers. That same day, I tagged Dollar Tree in an Instagram story, and I was pleased to find they responded quickly and with concern regarding this topic. I do not know or understand the reasonings for delay in product removal, but I am hopeful that all products impacted are no longer available to the public.
Unanswered Questions: Amidst these alarming updates, a resounding question echoes: What went wrong? The delay in removing the tainted products from store shelves raises concerns about the efficiency of recall procedures and the communication channels between producers, regulators, and retailers. The urgency of addressing such issues becomes paramount to prevent further harm to unsuspecting consumers. And of course, the much bigger question, "Why are these levels of lead and chromium off the charts??"
Health Care Provider's Perspective: The American Academy of Pediatrics has also weighed in on the matter, providing valuable insights into the potential risks associated with lead in cinnamon applesauce pouches. Their informative webpage at https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/what-should-i-know-about-lead-in-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches.aspx serves as a resource for concerned parents and caregivers seeking guidance on navigating this unsettling situation. They have also made an updated statement regarding the chromium!
As the story of the Cinnamon Applesauce Recall continues to develop, it emphasizes the significance of strong quality control, quick recall procedures, and efficient communication channels across the entire supply chain. Consumers are left grappling with the aftermath of a crisis that, at its core, raises critical questions about the safety of products we trust and the measures in place to protect us from harm. The story continues to unfold. Continued watchfulness and cooperation among companies, regulatory bodies, and health organizations are crucial to avoid similar incidents in the future and rebuild the trust consumers have in the products they buy.
For more information, check this page out from the CDC: 'Update on High Blood Lead Levels in Children Consuming Recalled Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches and Potential Chromium Exposure'
Part 2: Expanding Horizons: Navigating the Nutramigen Infant Formula Recall and Its Global Impact
In an unexpected turn of events, the infant formula market faces a setback as Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition, the parent company of Enfamil, announces a limited recall of Nutramigen powder formula. The recall is prompted by concerns of Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacterium known for its potential to cause serious infections in infants. This is the same bacteria that was found in the Abbott / Similac infant formula, prompting the tailspin of the infant formula industry as we knew it. And in one step forward, Cronobacter sakazakii is now a 'mandated reportable illness'! This means, if someone walks into the E.R. with Cronobacter sakazakii, it is legally required for healthcare facilities to share this information with public health officials. This should aid in quicker response times if any problems do arise! I did not think we would try to test the system out quite so quickly though..
This recall, which was initially limited to the United States, but now has expanded to include products in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland as well. The contamination concerns have led to a comprehensive list of affected products, each identified by specific batch codes, UPC codes, and "Use By Date."
Checking Lot Numbers and 'Best By' Dates: Parents and caregivers are urged to double check the lot numbers and 'best by' dates of Nutramigen powder formula in their possession. The recall, while limited, emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety of the products that nourish our little ones.
For those in the United States, the affected products include ZL3FHG, ZL3FMH, ZL3FPE, ZL3FQD, ZL3FRW, and ZL3FXJ, with a UPC Code of 300871239418 or 300871239456 and a "Use By Date" of "1 Jan 2025."
In Canada, the recall impacts ZL3FVY with a UPC Code of 056796904985 (4-Pack case) or 056796004982 (Can UPC) and a "Use By Date" of "01-JA-2025."
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the batch codes include ZL3F7D for stage 1, and ZL3FAA and ZL3FDM for stage 2, all with a best before date of 1 July 2025 and a pack size of 400g.
For detailed information, the FDA has provided a comprehensive statement on the recall here
It's important to note that this recall is labeled as a "small batch," yet the repercussions are substantial. This announcement comes nearly two years after the Abbott / Similac formula recall, indicating that while progress has been made, challenges persist. The progress made is clearly not yet enough. And those challenges can be detrimental. This recall impacts products WORLDWIDE. Over 675,000 cans are impacted in this recall. That is 675,000 chances for a baby to get sick. Nutramigen infant formula is NOT one that’s “widely used”. It’s a specialty formula designed for medical needs. So, 675,000 actually makes a HUGE impact. Being a specialty formula also leaves for a limited number of alternative options for those who need to switch.. The frustrations surrounding this recall are undeniably profound. The limited number of alternative options for those who rely on this specialty formula adds an extra layer of concern. With memories of previous recalls still fresh in our minds, this small batch recall doesn't feel so "small" after all. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of infant formula and the need for continuous improvements in the industry and food safety as a whole. As caregivers, parents, and concerned individuals, our collective hope is for swift resolutions, enhanced safety measures, and a future where such recalls are minimized or, ideally, eliminated altogether. I pray and hope this recall serves as a catalyst for positive change.
Part 3: Tools & Resources for your Success!
As you are navigating your parenting journey, don't forget to utilize our shop's essential tools designed to simplify your daily routine. From practical magnets to informative PDFs, we've got you covered with quick resources and tools, available right at your finger tips!
A few fan favorites available NOW include:
Magnetic Magic: Don't underestimate the power of a well-placed magnet! Check out our collection for storage guidelines (including formula, breastmilk, baby food, and combo!), cooking temps, and more. Learn about the right temperatures, durations, and techniques for optimal nourishment every time. We have tons of fun, positive magnets available as well for an instant daily "pick-me-up"! Stick them on your fridge for instant assistance and daily reminders.
PDFs at Your Fingertips: In the digital age, information should be at your fingertips. Browse through our range of PDF files covering infant formula comparable options, feeding schedules, shopping lists, starting solids guides, and more! Quick and reliable information whenever you need it.
Don't miss out on the resources available! We can customize and develop nearly anything you need, so if you don't see what you are looking for, just ask!! & stay tuned as our collection grows!
Thank you for your support & love in this space! It means more to me than you will ever know.
I hope you find the information provided valuable. If you do find this information helpful, I kindly ask that you consider sharing - via social media, word of mouth, email, etc. I would love to help support as many out there as I can and build better for our future!
Thank you again for giving Baby Food & Fun, LLC a place to grow and flourish, just like our kids :)
Jessica Enderle, R.D., L.D.
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