ABC correspondent Rhiannon Ally reports on recall of cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches due to lead contamination on 'GMA'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ABC News correspondent Rhiannon Ally appeared on the Wednesday, December 20 episode of 'Good Morning America' to discuss the investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention into lead-tainted applesauce pouches.

"The CDC says they are investigating 205 reports of lead poisoning cases in 33 states, possibly linked to the major applesauce recall," stated Ally.

She elaborated, "According to the US Food and Drug Administration, its investigation of lead-contaminated cinnamon flavored applesauce pouches found that some samples had as much as 2000 times the highest recommended amount of lead allowed."

Which applesauce products were found to contain extremely high amounts of lead?

The products that were found tainted with lead include WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks Apple Sauce 90g pouches with cinnamon, and Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce.

The discovery was made by the FDA during their inspection of the Astrofoods facilities in Ecuador. The company had voluntarily recalled the products in question back in November and stored them at this site.

How did the applesauce products get contaminated?

An unnamed insider at the FDA reportedly told ABC News that the products may have been contaminated as a result of manufacturers cutting corners to save money.

"They think the company deliberately sourced cheap materials," noted the source about the FDA's latest findings. A second official told the outlet that not following safety protocols would be seen by regulators as intentional.

Official statement of the FDA about the lead-contaminated applesauce products

The FDA clarified its position by releasing a statement that read, "The FDA can confirm that one of the theories the agency is exploring regarding the high lead levels in the recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches is the potential that the cinnamon contamination occurred as a possible result of economically motivated adulteration."

It further stated, "As this is an ongoing investigation, the FDA can only confirm this is one of the theories at this time."

ABC correspondent Ally informed the viewers on 'GMA', "The FDA says there is no safe level of lead in children's blood, so parents should just throw (the contaminated food) out if they have them at home."