Can Cinnamon Cause Lead Poisoning? Applesauce Pouch Contamination Update with Helena Bottemiller Evich

#389: Today’s episode is a little different - there’s not a lot of breaking news in the infant feeding world. But if you have been following the news perhaps you’ve heard about the applesauce pouch lead contamination story.

I’m recording this on November 29, 2023 at which point now 52 children have reported to have high levels of lead in their blood potentially linked to consuming cinnamon applesauce pouches made in Ecuador that were sold across the U.S.

There’s a strong scientific consensus that there is no safe amount of lead, particularly for babies and young children who are especially vulnerable to the neurotoxin. Lead exposure has been linked to various behavior and developmental problems, lowered IQ, and more

CDC funds states and cities to conduct routine lead blood-screening for young children. The North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services first noticed four children with high lead levels, and over the course of several weeks they, along with state ag officials, ultimately linked it to the pouches.