ST. LOUIS – 20 state attorneys general are asking the Food and Drug Administration to “issue guidance to the baby food industry on finished product testing for lead and other toxic elements.”
The group’s request of the FDA comes as the agency investigates hundreds of lead-poisoning cases linked to recalled applesauce products from Wana-Bana, Schnucks, and Weis.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is part of the coalition calling on the FDA to take urgent action. He released a statement that read, in part:
“The developmental and other negative health effects from exposure to toxic metals are real and long-lasting. I once again urge the FDA to hold baby food manufacturers to a higher standard and protect the health and well-being of children.”
Last month, the House Energy and Commerce Committee asked the FDA to explain why it believes the lead contamination in recalled applesauce pouches could have been intentional. Lawmakers are wanting to know how the FDA is investigating the matter and working to prevent future illicit food contamination in the supply chain.
The FDA says the manufacturer behind the affected applesauce products did not test for heavy metals. As of Feb. 13, the FDA has not received any additional confirmed complaints potentially linked to the recall, compared to late January, when they had received 90.
Five of those cases were in Illinois, and three were in Missouri.
FOX 2 will continue to follow any updates to the recall and any action from the FDA.
