FDA is conducting an onsite inspection at the Austrofoods facility located in Ecuador. Cinnamon samples collected from the lots used in recalled products will undergo laboratory analysis. As of December 12, 2023, the FDA has worked with Ecuadorian authorities to gather information about Negasmart, the supplier of cinnamon to Austrofoods, including whether the cinnamon in the recalled products was used in other products exported to the United States. Working with Ecuadorian authorities, the FDA has confirmed that, of Negasmart’s direct customers, only Austrofoods ships products to the US. In addition, the FDA has confirmed that Negasmart does not directly export products to the US. As of December 11, 2023, the FDA has received 65 reports of adverse events potentially linked to recalled products. To date, confirmed complainants, or people for whom an adverse event was submitted, are under 6 years of age. As of December 8, the CDC has received reports of 46 confirmed cases, 68 probable cases, and 11 suspected cases for 125 cases from 22 different states through their reporting structure. FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine the point of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
