The Daily How Poisoned Applesauce Found Its Way to Kids
72 snips
Feb 29, 2024 
Christina Jewett, an investigative journalist covering the FDA for The New York Times, delves into a startling scandal involving lead-tainted applesauce that endangered hundreds of children. She uncovers how this hazardous product slipped through the food safety system, revealing alarming flaws in regulations. The discussion highlights devastating family experiences, the long-term impacts of lead exposure, and the urgent need for reforms in food safety practices to protect vulnerable consumers.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Applesauce Mystery
- A North Carolina family's children had high blood lead levels, tripling the CDC's level of concern.
- Despite extensive home and daycare inspections, the source remained elusive until the parents noticed the commonality: applesauce pouches.
Lead Source Identified
- The FDA traced the lead to the cinnamon in the applesauce.
- Lead chromate, an orange-yellow powder, is sometimes illegally added to spices to enhance color.
Widespread Contamination
- At least 468 children across 44 states consumed the contaminated applesauce, with blood lead levels six times higher than in the Flint water crisis.
- Many more children may have been affected but remained undetected due to lack of screening or not meeting the case definition.