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The FDA Warns Consumers of Ground Cinnamon Products with Elevated Levels of Lead
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning consumers about various ground cinnamon products that have been found to contain higher levels of lead. Although these products do not pose the same risk as the recently recalled applesauce pouches, the FDA has advised that prolonged exposure to six cinnamon products, sold in both sticks and powder form, “may be unsafe.”
Recall Issued for Cinnamon Products
The FDA has called for manufacturers to initiate a recall of these specific products, which are available for purchase at retail chains such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Save A Lot. These ground cinnamon products are sold under the following brand names: La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chilar.
Background and Previous Recall
The FDA conducted sample analyses of ground cinnamon products following the lead poisoning cases linked to WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis-brand apple cinnamon pouches, manufactured by Austrofood, which affected numerous individuals nationwide. The recently identified ground cinnamon products contain lead in significantly lower quantities compared to the recalled applesauce products.
Concerns about Lead Levels
The cinnamon products subject to recall have lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, which are approximately 2,000 ppm to nearly 5,000 ppm lower than the levels found in the problematic applesauce. Although these levels are not as hazardous, Jim Jones, the FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, states that they are still too high and need to be improved upon to protect the most vulnerable individuals.
Potential Health Risks
Prolonged exposure to products with elevated lead levels can potentially result in adverse health effects and contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood. This can be particularly concerning for individuals already with elevated blood lead levels due to other lead exposures.
No Reported Illnesses
To date, no illnesses have been tied to the affected cinnamon products. However, the FDA’s action shows their determination to urge the industry to take greater precautions in safeguarding consumers from contaminants.
Call for Improved Safety Measures
The FDA has sent a letter to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators in the U.S. emphatically reminding them of their requirement to implement controls and prevent potential chemical hazards, specifically contamination, in food substances.
Recall Updates
The FDA has indicated that they will provide updates on the progress of the recall once they receive responses from the companies willing to voluntarily recall the affected products.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly included Dollar General as one of the companies listed in the FDA memo. Dollar General is not listed in the memo and is unaffiliated with Dollar Tree and Family Dollar.
Read More: The FDA’s Letter to Cinnamon Manufacturers, Processors, Distributors, and Facility Operators
Related: Recalled Applesauce Products Still Found on Shelves Despite Growing Lead Cases
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