Consumers are advised to dispose of certain ground cinnamon products following the FDA’s discovery of elevated lead levels and the addition of new brands to the list of affected spices.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has broadened its public health alert to include additional ground cinnamon products with heightened lead levels. Consumers are urged to discard these items immediately and refrain from purchasing them.
The FDA announced on Nov. 6 that Super Brand ground cinnamon has been identified as containing high lead content, prompting its addition to the list of unsafe products. Samples of Super Brand ground cinnamon collected by the Arkansas Department of Health revealed lead concentrations of up to 7.68 parts per million (ppm).
This update follows an Aug. 30 announcement that added Asli brand ground cinnamon to the alert due to similar findings. Through collaborative testing with state agencies, the FDA has identified multiple ground cinnamon products with elevated lead levels.
The affected brands now include Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indiilor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class, and La Frontera. Consumers are advised to check their cupboards for these products and dispose of them to avoid potential health risks associated with lead accumulation in the body.
The FDA has intensified its scrutiny of lead in cinnamon products following mass recalls of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce pouches for children in October 2023 due to elevated lead levels. The outbreak, which resulted in probable or confirmed cases of elevated blood lead levels in children across 44 states, concluded in April 2024.
Lead exposure poses significant risks to young children, potentially leading to neurological disorders such as learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and decreased IQ. The FDA emphasizes the importance of avoiding prolonged exposure to contaminated cinnamon products, especially for children who are more vulnerable due to their smaller body size and rapid development.
In addition to advising consumers, the FDA has recommended that distributors voluntarily recall the affected products. The agency continues to collaborate with state partners to test cinnamon products sold in retail locations and imports to prevent unsafe products from entering the market.
Earlier this year, Consumer Reports found elevated lead levels in 12 out of 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends containing cinnamon. The highest lead concentrations were observed in Paras cinnamon powder and EGN cinnamon powder.
James Rogers, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, highlighted the risks associated with lead exposure and recommended immediate disposal of identified high-lead products. The FDA issued a warning in July after discovering elevated lead levels in ground cinnamon by the brand El Servidor, sold through Mannan Supermarket Inc. in New York City.
Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults include joint and muscle pain, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, mood disorders, and difficulties with concentration or memory. The FDA is taking action under its Closer to Zero initiative to reduce childhood exposure to toxic elements in commonly consumed foods.
Consumers are advised to stay informed and check the FDA’s website for updates on recalled products. Individuals who suspect exposure to elevated lead levels should consult a healthcare provider, as symptoms of lead exposure may not be immediately apparent.
This report was contributed to by Jack Phillips and Katabella Roberts. Could you please rewrite this sentence?
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