Federal health authorities have issued another warning to consumers regarding ground cinnamon products, following the discovery of elevated lead levels in multiple additional brands. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it recommends recalls of nine brands of ground cinnamon products, with 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 last fall, which contained between 2,270 ppm to 5,110 ppm of lead," the FDA noted. Nonetheless, the agency advises against the consumption of the affected ground cinnamon products, stating that "prolonged exposure may be unsafe and could contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood."
The FDA warns that while short-term exposure to very low levels of lead might not cause immediate symptoms, long-term exposure can lead to permanent damage to the central nervous system. This can result in learning disorders and other developmental defects in children. For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.
Lead contamination is a recognized hazard in paint, water, dust, and soil, but it has also been found in various products including candies, spices, ceremonial powders, and alternative medicines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized the importance of awareness of such sources, particularly spices adulterated with lead chromate, a toxic chemical no longer used in house paints but still present in some industrial applications.
American Spices of Ozone Park, New York, is recalling its Spice Class brand ground cinnamon, distributed to retailers in the New York City area between December 2023 and May 2024. Consumers should return the product, packed in 7-ounce and 12-ounce plastic jars with a December 12, 2026 expiration date, for a refund. Inquiries can be directed to 1-917-532-6768.
Advance Food International of Maspeth, New York, is also recalling its Shahzada brand cinnamon powder, distributed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York between January and May 2024. The company can be contacted at 1-718-482-0123 for questions regarding the recall.
Additionally, ALB-USA Enterprises of Bronx, New York, has recalled its ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder, distributed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York between December 2022 and May 2024. Consumers can contact the company at 1-917-922-5627 or 1-929-431-8505 for further information.
The FDA has issued a public health alert for Elmhurst, New York-based El Servidor brand ground cinnamon sold by Mannan Supermarket, also found to contain elevated lead levels. The FDA recommends the distributor voluntarily recall this product.
The recent warnings follow the FDA's alerts in March and July about other ground cinnamon products with elevated lead levels. These alerts were issued after nationwide recalls of lead-tainted applesauce linked to 519 reported poisonings, primarily in children.
