New Health Alert: Unexpected Contaminant Found in Common Kitchen Spice

FDA issues third public health alert as more ground cinnamon products test positive for dangerous lead levels.

At a Glance

FDA warns consumers to discard and avoid purchasing specific ground cinnamon products due to elevated lead levels
Multiple brands affected, including Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, and Marcum
Lead contamination can accumulate in the body over time, posing significant health risks, especially for young children
FDA continues testing cinnamon products at retail and import levels to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers

FDA Expands Alert on Lead-Contaminated Cinnamon

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its third public health alert this year regarding ground cinnamon products contaminated with dangerous levels of lead. The latest alert includes Super Brand ground cinnamon, which testing revealed to contain lead concentrations of up to 7.68 parts per million (ppm).

This alert follows previous warnings issued on March 6 and July 25, 2024, for additional cinnamon products. The FDA is actively working to prevent unsafe cinnamon from entering the U.S. market and advises consumers to check their homes for these products due to their long shelf life.

We recommended recalls of certain cinnamon products because prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe. This video goes over what to know about lead in certain ground cinnamon. https://t.co/M33Bj2Yh5q pic.twitter.com/3zI1bO8AdZ

— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) March 8, 2024

Affected Brands and Health Risks

The list of affected brands has grown to include Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indiilor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class, and La Frontera. Consumers are strongly advised to dispose of these products immediately and avoid purchasing them in the future.

“The FDA is advising consumers to throw away and not to buy these ground cinnamon products.” – FDA

Lead exposure poses significant health risks, particularly for young children. The toxic metal can accumulate in the body over time, potentially causing serious health problems. Symptoms of lead exposure may not be immediately apparent, making it crucial for consumers to heed these warnings and take preventive action.

Origins of the Contamination Concern

The current cinnamon crisis can be traced back to fall 2023 when WanaBana brand applesauce pouches were found to contain high levels of lead. This discovery led to over 250 children from 43 states experiencing elevated lead levels after consuming these products. WanaBana, along with Schnucks and Weis, subsequently recalled their cinnamon applesauce products.

“Even small amounts of lead pose a risk because, over time, it can accumulate in the body and remain there for years, seriously harming health” – James Rogers

In response to these findings, the FDA has intensified its efforts to screen cinnamon products and prevent contaminated items from reaching consumers. The agency is working closely with state authorities to conduct extensive testing of cinnamon products at both retail and import levels.

FDA’s Ongoing Efforts and Industry Responsibilities

The FDA has taken proactive measures to address the lead contamination issue. In March 2024, the agency sent a letter to cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators in the U.S., reminding them of their responsibility to implement controls that prevent contamination from potential chemical hazards in food products, including ground cinnamon.

“The FDA continues to work with states to test cinnamon sold directly to consumers at retail and to test cinnamon at import. The FDA will continue our activities at import to prevent unsafe cinnamon from reaching consumers in the U.S., including adding firms and products to import alert where appropriate, according to the expanded alert posted on Nov. 1.” – FDA

The FDA also advises both domestic and foreign food suppliers to voluntarily test their products to ensure safety. This initiative is part of the agency’s broader Closer to Zero program, which aims to reduce exposure to toxic elements in the food supply, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children.

As the investigation continues, consumers are urged to stay informed about product recalls and alerts. Those who have consumed the affected products and are concerned about potential lead exposure should consult with their healthcare providers. The FDA emphasizes that good nutrition can help mitigate some health effects of lead exposure, underlining the importance of a balanced diet in overall health protection.