Well, folks, it looks like we’ve got another spicy situation on our hands, and this time it’s not just about inflation burning a hole in our wallets. The FDA is serving up a steaming hot plate of lead-contaminated cinnamon, and it’s not the kind of seasoning any of us signed up for. But before you start panicking and tossing out your favorite snickerdoodle recipe, let’s sift through the facts and see what’s really cooking in this latest food safety fiasco.
The Spice of Strife: Cinnamon Recall Details
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its third alert this year regarding lead contamination in ground cinnamon products. This time, the warning extends to several types of ground cinnamon sold at discount and specialty grocery stores across multiple states. Affected outlets include Dollar Tree, Patel Brothers, and Eurogrocery stores.
The FDA recommends that companies recall these products and advises consumers to discard and avoid purchasing the contaminated ground cinnamon. Brands caught in this spicy scandal include El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indillor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class, and La Frontera. According to the FDA, No illnesses have been reported in connection with these products.
Lead Levels and Health Concerns
The lead levels found in the contaminated spices ranged from 2 to 7 parts per million, with El Servidor brand topping the charts at 20 parts per million. While these levels are significantly lower than those found in cinnamon apple puree products that sickened over 500 children last year, health officials maintain that no amount of lead exposure is safe. Health officials say, No amount of lead is safe, so it should be avoided
It’s worth noting that the FDA doesn’t have a specific limit for heavy metals in spices but does enforce a 1 part per million limit for lead in candy consumed by small children. The American Spice Trade Association recommends no more than 2 parts per million of lead in bark spices like cinnamon.
Staying Safe: Consumer Advice
Given the potential risks, consumers are advised to be cautious when purchasing spices. Karen Everstine, an expert in food fraud prevention, offers some guidance. She says, “It can be difficult, if not impossible, to know whether spices on grocery shelves are contaminated with lead or other toxins”
Sources
- FDA warns about more ground cinnamon tainted with lead. Here’s what you need to know
- Cinnamon recalled after testing revealed elevated lead contamination
