Ground Cinnamon Recall: A new report from Consumer Reports has found elevated levels of lead in several ground cinnamon products. Out of 36 products tested, 12 had concerning lead levels, putting consumers at potential risk. This is especially important for children and pregnant women, as even small amounts of lead can cause long-term health problems.
Lead Found in Ground Cinnamon Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently have strict guidelines for lead in spices. However, three of the products tested by Consumer Reports exceeded a proposed limit set by the American Spice Trade Association. Additionally, 12 of the products had lead levels that surpassed the cutoff set by New York State, which has stricter rules about heavy metals in spices.
Why Is Lead in Cinnamon a Problem?
While trace amounts of lead are found in many foods, regular exposure to high levels can be dangerous. Experts say the biggest concern comes from repeated exposure, especially for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Kidney problems
- Cognitive issues like learning difficulties
- Seizures and brain damage in children
There is no safe level of lead for children, and even small amounts can lead to developmental issues.
How Does Lead Get Into Cinnamon?
Cinnamon trees take years to grow before their bark is harvested. During this time, the trees can absorb lead from the soil. This long growing process increases the chance of lead contamination in the final product. This makes it even more important to choose safe cinnamon brands.
Recalls and Public Health Alerts
The FDA has been monitoring ground cinnamon for high lead levels, and in the past year, there have been several recalls. Last year, apple cinnamon pouches were recalled due to high lead levels, and at least 90 cases of health problems were reported. This year, ground cinnamon products have been flagged for similar issues.
In July, several distributors in New York recalled cinnamon products that were found to contain dangerous levels of lead. This followed health alerts from the FDA warning consumers about certain ground cinnamon products.
What Brands Are Affected?
The Consumer Reports investigation included popular store-bought cinnamon brands as well as spice mixtures containing cinnamon. Two companies, Paras and EGN, were found to have especially high lead levels. Both companies have stated they will pull their products from the market.
The report highlights that many of the products with high lead levels were bought from smaller stores or specialty brands. However, even some popular brands had concerning levels of lead.
How to Protect Yourself
If you use ground cinnamon regularly, it is important to check which brands are safe. Consumer Reports suggests switching to brands with lower lead levels, especially if you have children or are pregnant. Using cinnamon in moderation can also help reduce the risk of lead exposure.
Final Thoughts
The discovery of elevated lead levels in ground cinnamon products is a reminder to be cautious when buying spices. Although the FDA does not yet have strict rules on lead in cinnamon, the findings from Consumer Reports show that lead contamination is a real concern. By being mindful of which brands you use and staying updated on recalls, you can protect your health and that of your family.
Always check for updates from the FDA and look for safe options when buying ground cinnamon. Lead exposure may not cause immediate symptoms, but the long-term effects can be serious, especially for children. Choose wisely, and stay safe.
