Lead Contamination in Cinnamon: What You Need to Know

In a startling revelation, a recent report has uncovered high levels of lead in cinnamon powders from at least a dozen brands, prompting serious health concerns and regulatory action. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been actively recalling various cinnamon products throughout 2024 due to the presence of this toxic heavy metal, which poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like children.

The Findings of Consumer Reports

On September 12, 2024, Consumer Reports, a well-respected nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer safety, released a comprehensive study identifying 12 brands of cinnamon and multi-spice powders that contained alarming levels of lead. The report indicated that just a quarter of a teaspoon of these products could exceed the daily lead consumption threshold for an individual.

Among the brands highlighted were Paras and EGN, both of which have announced plans to remove their cinnamon products from store shelves. However, other companies, like Badia, have defended their products, claiming that their lead levels are well below the FDA’s concerning thresholds. Badia stated, "Our lead test results show levels that are half of what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers concerning in its recent recalls related to cinnamon."

Recent FDA Recalls

The FDA has been proactive in addressing this issue, issuing multiple recalls throughout the year. The most recent recall occurred on August 28, 2024, when Asli cinnamon powder was flagged for potential lead contamination. Other notable recalls include:

• Gutierrez Distributor: Recalled its El Servidor Corp and Gutierrez brand ground cinnamon on August 19 and 23 due to elevated lead levels.
• El Chilar HF, LLC: Recalled its ground cinnamon products on August 13 for similar reasons.

The FDA has emphasized that while short-term exposure to low levels of lead may not produce immediate symptoms, it can lead to increased blood lead levels, which can have serious long-term health implications.

Unsafe Cinnamon Powders Identified

The Consumer Reports study specifically named the following cinnamon powders as unsafe due to their lead content:

1. Paras cinnamon powder – 3.52 ppm
2. EGN cinnamon powder – 2.91 ppm
3. Mimi’s Products ground cinnamon – 2.03 ppm
4. Bowl & Basket ground cinnamon – 1.82 ppm
5. Rani Brand ground cinnamon – 1.39 ppm
6. Zara Foods cinnamon powder – 1.27 ppm
7. Three Rivers cinnamon stick powder – 1.26 ppm
8. Yu Yee Brand five spice powder – 1.25 ppm
9. BaiLiFeng five spice powder – 1.15 ppm
10. Spicy King five spices powder – 1.05 ppm
11. Badia cinnamon powder – 1.03 ppm
12. Deep cinnamon powder – 1.02 ppm

Safer Alternatives

Fortunately, not all cinnamon products are unsafe. Consumer Reports also identified several brands that contain significantly lower levels of lead, making them safer choices for consumers. These include:

• McCormick cinnamon – 0.23 ppm
• Kirkland Signature organic Saigon cinnamon – 0.80 ppm
• Great Value ground cinnamon – 0.79 ppm
• Trader Joe’s organic ground cinnamon – 0.69 ppm
• Good & Gather ground cinnamon – 0.56 ppm
• Simply Organic cinnamon – 0.28 ppm
• 365 Whole Foods Market ground cinnamon – 0.12 ppm
• 365 Whole Foods Market organic ground cinnamon – 0.02 ppm
• Sadaf cinnamon powder – 0.04 ppm

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have purchased any of the recalled cinnamon products, the FDA advises that you stop using them immediately and dispose of them safely. The agency has stated, "Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve the ground cinnamon product listed…"

Particularly concerning is the impact of lead exposure on babies and young children, who are more susceptible to lead toxicity. If you suspect that you or a family member has been exposed to elevated lead levels, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider, as symptoms may not be immediately apparent.

Conclusion

The discovery of lead contamination in cinnamon powders serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in monitoring the products we consume. As consumers, it is essential to stay informed about recalls and to choose products from reputable brands that prioritize safety. By doing so, we can protect ourselves and our families from the potential dangers of lead exposure.