Lead Contamination Prompts Recall of Cinnamon Brands,Raising Health Concerns
WASHINGTON – Consumers are urged to check their spice racks following an expansion of recalls of cinnamon products due to dangerously high levels of lead,the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week. The FDA is continuing to investigate and has added more brands to its alert, possibly impacting individuals, particularly children, who may be at risk of acute and long-term health effects from exposure.
The issue stems from lead contamination found in ground cinnamon, with initial concerns raised about products from Colombo, Saigon Cinnamon, and now Wise Wife brand Ground Cinnamon.Lead exposure, even at low levels, can cause serious health problems, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and neurological damage in children.Adults may experience high blood pressure, joint pain, and reproductive issues. The FDA stated the elevated lead levels were discovered during routine testing and are believed to be linked to the cinnamon manufacturing process.
What You Need to Know
The FDA is advising consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of recalled cinnamon products.The agency is particularly concerned about children, who are more vulnerable to lead poisoning. Symptoms of lead poisoning differ between children and adults, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of lead Poisoning:
In Children:
* Developmental delay
* Learning difficulties
* Irritability
* Loss of appetite
* Weight loss
* Sluggishness and fatigue
* Abdominal pain
* Vomiting
* Constipation
* Hearing loss
* Seizures
* Pica (eating non-food items like paint chips)
In Adults:
* High blood pressure
* Joint and muscle pain
* Difficulties with memory or concentration
* Headache
* Abdominal pain
* Mood disorders
* Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm
* Miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth in pregnant women
Consumers who purchased Wise Wife brand Ground Cinnamon are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions can be directed to SLR Food Distribution at 516-437-3782. The FDA continues to update its list of affected products and is working with manufacturers to address the contamination issue and prevent future occurrences. Consumers can find the latest data and recall details on the FDA website.
