Lead Levels in Ground Cinnamon Prompt FDA Warning, Recalls
(Oakland County Times, March 8, 2024)
Michigan – Several brands of ground cinnamon are the subject of an FDA warning, with some taking part in a voluntary recall of the products.
Brands involved are:
La Fiesta brand sold by La Superior and SuperMercados
Marcum brand sold by Save A Lot stores
MK brands sold by SF Supermarket
Swad brand sold by Patel Brothers
El Chilar brand sold by La Joya Morelense
Supreme Tradition brand sold by Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores.
The FDA warning stated “Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure. Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure are more likely with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead. The effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age/ body weight. If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems. For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.”
“The recall was the result of a targeted sampling program of discount brands by the FDA, following heightened sensitivity around Cinnamon,” stated the recall for Supreme Tradition and Marcum.
The sampling came after recalls of applesauce packets at discount stores. According to various reports, lead is added to spices in other countries to boost product weight and color.
To learn more about testing for lead exposure, visit the State of Michigan website.
