Recently, an outbreak of lead poisoning from cinnamon in applesauce has brought attention to the toxic effect the heavy metal can have on children. The cinnamon in the applesauce was thought to have been intentionally contaminated, possibly to add to its value as a commodity sold by weight.
The three children's applesauce products found to contain toxic levels of lead are WanaBana apple-cinnamon fruit purée pouches, Schnucks- and Weis-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the applesauce outbreak poisoned more than 400 children. Their median blood lead levels were found to be six times higher than the average seen during the height of the Flint water crisis, according to the CDC. While such poisoning cases are rare, lead is a widespread contaminant and has been under increasing scrutiny, according to the New York Times.
