U.S. health authorities have issued a warning regarding certain ground cinnamon products found in discount and specialty stores that are contaminated with high levels of lead and should be discarded. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released its third alert this year, identifying at least 10 types of packaged ground cinnamon sold at stores like Dollar Tree, Patel Brothers, and Eurogrocery across various states. The FDA has advised for the products to be recalled by the companies, urging consumers to dispose of these ground cinnamon items. No illnesses related to these products have been reported so far.
Affected brands of cinnamon include El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indillor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class, La Frontera, and El Servidor. Lead levels found in the contaminated cinnamon varied between a little over 2 parts per million to about 7 parts per million, with the El Servidor brand showing a lead concentration of 20 parts per million.
While there is no set FDA limit for heavy metals in spices, the agency has established a limit of 1 part per million of lead in candies intended for small children and recommends no more than 2 parts per million of lead in bark spices such as cinnamon. Lead can enter spices through natural sources like soil and water, as well as from external factors like pollution or during production and transportation processes.
Consumers are advised to buy spices from companies known to monitor their sources to reduce the risk of contamination with lead or other toxins. Despite the challenges in identifying contaminated spices, it is essential to prioritize safety over cost, particularly when it comes to potential lead exposure through spice consumption.
