FDA warns of lead contamination in ground cinnamon sold by US discount retailers. Urges consumers to discard affected products. (Christopher Sadowski)
Federal health officials issued a warning on Wednesday regarding ground cinnamon sold by various discount retailers in the United States, citing contamination with high levels of lead. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressed concerns about the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the tainted spice, particularly for children. They advised consumers to discard any affected products and called on suppliers to initiate voluntary recalls.
The FDA highlighted several brands of ground cinnamon in its safety alert, including La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, El Chilar, and Supreme Tradition, commonly sold by Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores. The agency emphasized the importance of removing these products from circulation to prevent elevated lead levels from entering children's diets.
Following the FDA's announcement, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar promptly removed the contaminated cinnamon from their shelves. Customers were encouraged to return any purchased items for a refund. The FDA's action came after a targeted survey conducted on cinnamon products sold in discount stores, prompted by a previous recall in October 2023 involving lead-contaminated cinnamon applesauce pouches, which had affected nearly 500 children across the US.
Although the lead levels detected in the ground cinnamon products ranged from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, significantly lower than those found in the recalled applesauce pouches, the FDA stressed the absence of a safe threshold for lead exposure in humans. Prolonged exposure to lead can lead to various health issues, particularly among children, including learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and reduced IQ.
While the FDA monitors lead levels in foods, there are no broad regulatory limits on lead content in food products. In response to the contamination issue, the agency reminded all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators in the US of their obligation to prevent chemical hazards, including lead, from contaminating food products.
As of the FDA's announcement, no illnesses or adverse health effects related to the consumption of contaminated ground cinnamon have been reported. Nonetheless, the agency's warning underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring food safety and the need for continued efforts to prevent contamination in food supply chains.
