More Cinnamon Recalled Due to Elevated Lead Levels Found in Tests

 

Federal health authorities are once again urging people to check their spice racks and cabinets for certain cinnamon products after testing found lead in multiple additional brands.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended recalls of nine brands of ground cinnamon with elevated lead levels, ranging from 2.03 to 7.01 parts per million (ppm).

"These levels are significantly lower than those found in the WanaBana cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products recalled in the fall of 2023, which had between 2,270 ppm and 5,110 ppm lead in the cinnamon," the agency noted.

Despite this, the FDA advises people to discard and avoid purchasing the listed ground cinnamon products, stating that "prolonged exposure may be unsafe and could contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood."

While short-term exposure to very low levels of lead may not result in symptoms, long-term exposure can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, resulting in learning disorders and other developmental defects in children, according to the FDA. Chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects in adults, the agency noted.

Lead-contaminated paint, water, dust, and soil are the most recognized lead hazards, but other products, including candies, spices, ceremonial powders, and alternative medicines, have also been found to contain lead, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"Awareness of other sources, such as spices adulterated with lead chromate, is important," the CDC stated in a weekly report published earlier this month.

Lead chromate, also known as chrome yellow, is an inorganic compound used as a pigment. While highly toxic and no longer used in house paint, it is still used in marine and industrial paints and to add color to plastics, according to the American Chemical Society.

American Spices of Ozone Park, New York, is recalling Spice Class brand ground cinnamon distributed to retailers in the New York City area between December 1, 2023, and May 15, 2024, according to a recall notice posted by the FDA on Monday.

Packed in 7-ounce and 12-ounce plastic jars with a December 12, 2026, expiration date, the recall follows an analysis by New York state officials that found elevated lead levels in the product.

Consumers should stop using the cinnamon immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Those with questions can call 1-917-532-6768.

Separately, Advance Food International of Maspeth, New York, is recalling Shahzada brand cinnamon powder in 7-ounce packs due to potential lead contamination.

The recalled cinnamon powder was distributed to retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York between January 1, 2024, and May 24, 2024, according to an FDA notice posted on Monday.

Those with questions can call the company at 1-718-482-0123.

On Friday, ALB-USA Enterprises of Bronx, New York, recalled ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder for the same reason, according to an FDA notice.

Distributed to retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York between December 15, 2022, and May 13, 2024, the recalled cinnamon powder is packaged in a 100-gram plastic bag with a best-before date of August 30, 2025.

Those with questions can call 1-917-922-5627 or 1-929-431-8505.

The FDA also issued a public health alert on Thursday for Elmhurst, New York-based El Servidor brand ground cinnamon sold by Mannan Supermarket, as it was found to contain elevated lead levels.

The agency has recommended that the distributor voluntarily recall the product.

In March, the FDA issued a public health alert advising consumers against buying half a dozen ground cinnamon products due to elevated lead levels. This warning followed nationwide recalls of lead-tainted applesauce linked to 519 reported poisonings, mostly involving young children.