FDA Issues Warning About Lead Contamination in Cinnamon Product
The FDA has issued a warning about a ground cinnamon product that has been found to contain lead contamination. The product, sold under the brand name El Servidor, is distributed by a company based in Elmhurst, New York. It was sold through Mannan Supermarket Inc. in New York City. The FDA has recommended that consumers throw away any of this ground cinnamon product that they may have and avoid purchasing it in the future.
This latest alert from the FDA adds to a growing list of cinnamon products that have been flagged for elevated levels of lead. In March, the FDA warned about lead in cinnamon sold at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores, among others. The agency advised consumers to check their homes for these products and discard them if found.
The FDA’s scrutiny of lead in cinnamon products has increased in recent years. In October 2023, elevated lead levels were found in cinnamon apple puree and applesauce pouches marketed for children, leading to mass recalls. These pouches, sold under various brand names, may still be in consumers’ homes due to their long shelf life. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that children in 44 states had probable or confirmed cases of elevated blood lead levels after consuming these products. The outbreak was declared over in April 2024.
The FDA sent a warning letter to Dollar Tree in June regarding the continued presence of recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches on store shelves. The company was criticized for not promptly removing the recalled products despite FDA’s attempts to bring the issue to their attention. Dollar Tree has since stated that it is implementing measures to improve its product recall procedures.
Lead poisoning can have severe and long-lasting effects, particularly in infants and young children who are more susceptible to lead absorption. The CDC states that high levels of lead can cause neurological issues, such as lower IQ, learning difficulties, and attention problems. It can also lead to brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, and hearing or speech problems. The Mayo Clinic adds that lead poisoning can occur from repeated exposure to the heavy metal over time. In adults, symptoms of lead poisoning include joint and muscle pain, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, mood disorders, and difficulties with concentration or memory.
In January 2023, the FDA announced plans to reduce lead content in various foods, setting limits for fruits, vegetables, yogurts, custards, meats, root vegetables, and dry infant cereals. These measures aim to protect consumers from the harmful effects of lead exposure.
It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential dangers associated with lead-contaminated products and to take appropriate action to safeguard their health and the health of their families. Regularly checking for recalls and following the FDA’s recommendations can help minimize the risk of lead poisoning.
