23 Lead Poisonings In PA From Tainted Applesauce: Officials

PENNSYLVANIA — Tainted apple sauce has led to at least 23 cases of lead poisoning in Pennsylvania, the Department of Health announced this week.

Cases have occurred in counties across Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, Allegheny, Delaware, Cumberland, Erie, Lancaster, Mercer, Monroe, and Northumberland, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The products with elevated levels of lead include WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, and variety pack Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.

The products were produced by the Ecuadorian company Austrofoods. The Food and Drug Administration is investigating what could have caused the issue, but they believe it may have been intentionally done as part of an effort to make more money from the product.

"Historically, lead chromate has been illegally added to certain spices increase to their weight and enhance their color, which increases the monetary value of the adulterated spices," the agency said in a dispatch Thursday. "FDA’s leading hypothesis remains that this was likely an act of economically motivated adulteration."

Similar lead poisonings due to these products have occurred around the country, sickening at least 468 individuals in 44 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"These products have a long shelf life," the Department of Health said in a warning statement. "Consumers should check their homes and discard these products."

Children are at special risk for the impacts of lead poisoning. Anyone who may have been exposed by eating the packets should contact their medical provider.

The exact condition of the victims in Pennsylvania is not known, but no fatalities have been reported.