American Spices LLC is pulling its Spice Class Brand ground cinnamon from shelves because of concerns about lead contamination. CTV News
Following recent warnings in the U.S. about certain ground cinnamon products, Canada is keeping a close eye on the situation but currently believes that no affected products are available in the country.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday that American Spices LLC is recalling its Spice Class Brand ground cinnamon due to concerns about lead contamination. The FDA also issued warnings about eight other cinnamon brands, advising these companies to consider voluntary recalls. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products.
In response, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) stated it is aware of the situation and is in touch with U.S. authorities. The CFIA emphasized that it has not identified any Canadian products that are part of the recall. They also noted that they are actively monitoring the issue and will provide updates if necessary.
The CFIA's statement assured that Health Canada and the CFIA have programs in place to monitor food for chemical contaminants, including lead. If they find that any products exceed the allowable lead levels, they will take appropriate action, which could include issuing a recall.
The FDA's concern centers on the presence of elevated lead levels in nine specific ground cinnamon products. While the agency has not reported any related health issues so far, it is advising consumers to discard these products or avoid purchasing them. The FDA explained that although short-term exposure to low lead levels might not show immediate symptoms, increased lead levels in the blood could be a sign of exposure.
Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about recalls and product safety through official channels. The CFIA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
