FDA says hands tied after suspect named in applesauce lead poisonings [View all]

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/fda-says-hands-tied-suspect-211949390.html

CBS News
FDA says hands tied after suspect named in applesauce lead poisonings
Alexander Tin
Updated Fri, February 9, 2024 at 5:10 AM EST·3 min read


FDA says hands tied after suspect named in applesauce lead poisonings
Authorities in Ecuador have named a suspect in their investigation of now-recalled lead-tainted applesauce, which has been linked to poisonings of more than 400 Americans across 43 states, the Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday — but U.S authorities have "limited authority" to take steps against him.

Ecuador's authorities allege that Carlos Aguilera, a cinnamon grinder in Ecuador, is "the likely source" of the poisonings, the FDA said in an update, noting that the investigation by the Agencia Nacional de Regulación, Control y Vigilancia Sanitaria and legal proceedings to determine responsibility for the contamination are still ongoing.

U.S. authorities have said for months that they suspected that the lead poisonings could be intentional, saying one of the theories they were pursuing was that it was the result of "economically motivated adulteration" of the cinnamon used in the applesauce.

"FDA's investigation is ongoing to determine the point of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses," the agency said in its statement. [snip]