The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers regarding ground cinnamon products that contain elevated levels of lead. While these products do not pose the same risk as the recently recalled applesauce pouches, the FDA has cautioned that prolonged exposure to certain cinnamon products may be unsafe. The agency is urging manufacturers to initiate a recall of these products, which are sold at retail chains such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Save A Lot, under brand names including La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chilar.
The FDA’s warning comes after the agency analyzed samples of ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores for lead and chromium. This analysis was prompted by the discovery of lead poisoning cases in adults and children across the country, which were linked to WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis-brand apple cinnamon pouches manufactured by Austrofood, an Ecuador-based company. The FDA has found that the lead levels in the recently tested cinnamon products are significantly lower than those found in the recalled applesauce products, which were contaminated with lead chromate. However, federal officials have limited authority over foreign ingredient suppliers who do not directly ship products to the U.S.
The lead levels in the cinnamon products recommended for recall range between 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million lead. Although these levels are lower than those associated with the cinnamon in the applesauce products, they are still considered too high. Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, emphasizes that food growers, manufacturers, importers, and retailers all share a responsibility for ensuring the safety of the foods available to consumers. He states, “The levels of lead we found in some ground cinnamon products are too high and we must do better to protect those most vulnerable to the negative health outcomes of exposure to elevated levels of lead.”
Prolonged exposure to these cinnamon products with elevated lead levels may be unsafe and could contribute to increased lead levels in the blood. This can have adverse health effects, particularly for individuals who already have elevated blood lead levels from other sources of exposure. It is important to note that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the affected products thus far.
The FDA’s actions highlight the agency’s commitment to pressuring the industry to take stronger measures in protecting consumers from contaminants. In a letter addressed to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators in the U.S., the FDA reiterates that they are required to implement controls to prevent contamination from potential chemical hazards in food. The FDA has stated that it will provide an update once it receives responses from the companies that voluntarily agree to recall the products.
In conclusion, the FDA’s warning regarding ground cinnamon products with elevated levels of lead serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety. While these products do not pose the same risk as the recalled applesauce pouches, the levels of lead found in them are still considered too high. The FDA is urging manufacturers to initiate a recall of these products and is emphasizing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring the safety of food products. Consumers are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to these cinnamon products, as elevated lead levels can have adverse health effects.
