MARCH 6, 2024 – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert on Wednesday, advising consumers to discontinue the use of certain cinnamon products sold by retailers such as Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and Save A Lot. The warning comes in response to elevated levels of lead found in ground cinnamon products distributed by various brands, prompting the FDA to recommend a voluntary recall.
This cautionary measure follows a November 2023 recall of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products, which were associated with 468 cases of lead and chromium poisoning across 44 states. In the wake of this recall, the FDA expanded its testing to include ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores. Results revealed elevated lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million in products from six different distributors.
The identified products subject to the advisory include La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chilar ground cinnamon. The FDA emphasized that while these lead levels are significantly lower than those found in the previously recalled cinnamon products, any amount of lead in food products is considered unsafe, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children.
The agency recommended a voluntary recall of the implicated ground cinnamon products and issued a letter to all cinnamon industry stakeholders in the U.S., emphasizing their obligation to prevent contamination in food products.
Lead contamination in food products can occur at various stages of the supply chain, including growth, harvesting, or processing. The FDA stressed that even trace amounts of lead are hazardous, especially for children, who absorb lead more easily. The warning extends to consumers, urging them to cease using, discard, and refrain from purchasing the affected ground cinnamon products.
The FDA advised individuals to inspect their pantries for these products, as cinnamon often has a long shelf life. While no reported illnesses are linked to these specific cinnamon products, prolonged exposure to lead can result in adverse health effects, particularly in children, such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ.
Consumers are encouraged to consult healthcare providers if they suspect exposure to elevated lead levels, as lead cannot be detected through taste or smell. The recall pertains specifically to the identified brands flagged by the FDA, and not all cinnamon products.
Benjamin Chapman, a professor and food safety specialist at North Carolina State University, suggested monitoring FDA updates and checking for the presence of the recalled brands at home. He reassured consumers that this action does not sound the alarm on all cinnamon products but underscores the importance of staying informed about specific brand recalls.
