New Contamination of Ground Cinnamon with Elevated Levels of Lead: FDA Warning

Elevated levels of lead detected in ground cinnamon

Elevated levels of lead have been detected in six brands of ground cinnamon spice, sparking concerns over potential contamination, according to a statement released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This recent development follows a massive recall of cinnamon applesauce pouches contaminated with the toxic metal last fall.

The affected products, which include bags and plastic bottles of ground cinnamon frequently used in home cooking, were found to have lower levels of lead compared to the tainted cinnamon used in the recalled apple puree pouches. However, the FDA emphasizes that “prolonged exposure” to the products may still be risky and could contribute to elevated blood lead levels.

The six brands affected and recommended course of action

The FDA has named the six brands as La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chilar. These products are widely sold by local and national retailers, including Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Patel Brothers, and Save A Lot. In response to the findings, the FDA has requested the companies issue voluntary recalls, urging consumers to dispose of any ground cinnamon products from these brands and avoid eating, selling, or serving them.

For a full list of the affected product lots, please visit the FDA website for more information.

The causes and risks of lead contamination in cinnamon

While the detection of low levels of lead in spices is not uncommon, the FDA states that lead can naturally be absorbed by growing plants from the soil or be intentionally added to spices during processing as a coloring agent or to increase the overall weight. Therefore, the agency carried out targeted surveys on ground cinnamon products sold at discount retail stores following the discovery of lead-contaminated cinnamon applesauce treats by various brands last year.

The contamination of the apple puree pouches resulted in a recall of nearly 3 million units and has been linked to hundreds of confirmed, probable, and suspected cases of lead exposure in 44 states, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, in comparison to the 2,270 to 5,110 parts per million of lead detected in the recalled apple puree, the detected lead concentrations in the ground cinnamon products range from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, which the FDA views as significantly lower.

In terms of health risks, prolonged exposure to lead in the ground cinnamon can contribute to elevated lead levels in the blood, with young children being particularly vulnerable, as they can absorb four to five times as much lead as adults. The World Health Organization recognizes that there is no safe level of lead exposure and warns that high levels of exposure in babies and young children can lead to neurodevelopmental effects, learning disabilities, and lowered IQ levels.

The FDA has expressed concern over the elevated levels of contaminants in the food supply and is calling for increased prevention measures. The agency has also submitted a request to Congress to mandate manufacturers to conduct testing on ingredients or final products intended for infants and young children to ensure safety.

Jim Jones, the deputy commissioner for human foods at the FDA, emphasized the need for greater diligence in preventing the entry of elevated levels of contaminants into the food supply, stating, “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.”