Food and Lead Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, January 29, 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as state and local officials continue to investigate a link between blood lead levels (BLLs) and children consuming certain apple purée and applesauce products containing cinnamon. This event has made international headlines and resulted in nationwide product recalls.

Earlier this month, FDA announced that testing of the recalled products and the cinnamon collected from a food processing facility has found high levels of chromium. The agency warns that people who ate recalled products, especially if they had elevated blood lead levels, may have been exposed to chromium and should inform their healthcare provider so they can monitor their health and provide supportive care, as needed.

According to the FDA:

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.

“Exposure to elevated concentrations of chromium, lead or other heavy metals can cause a variety of health concerns,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help ensure that products are safe for consumers, the scientists at EMSL provide food growers, processors, manufacturers and importers with independent third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides and microbial contaminants. These tests can be used to assess raw ingredients, production surfaces and final food products to protect the public, and to help prevent these types of costly product recalls.”

To learn more about food and beverage testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.