The FDA has raised alarms over ground cinnamon products contaminated with lead, posing significant health risks.
At a Glance
- The FDA has issued a public health alert for “Super Brand” cinnamon due to elevated lead levels.
- Previous FDA alerts had already been issued for other cinnamon products with similar lead concerns.
- Consumers are advised to discard and avoid purchasing the affected products.
- The FDA is actively working with state agencies to test and mitigate further contamination risks.
FDA Announces New Alert
The FDA has announced a public health alert concerning several ground cinnamon products due to lead contamination. Products from brands such as Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, and Marcum pose significant health threats. Lead, a harmful heavy metal, accumulates in the body, potent in young children, causing serious health issues. The FDA is working with state agencies to rigorously test for risks and limit further occurrences. Distributors have been called to initiate a voluntary recall.
In addition to Super Brand, other brands have faced recalls due to similar issues, escalating concerns within the industry. The FDA urges consumers to discard or avoid these products. The Closer to Zero program aligns with these efforts, striving to minimize toxic exposures in children’s diets. This crucial initiative underscores the FDA’s commitment to safety improvements in consumer food products.
We recommended recalls of certain cinnamon products because prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe. This video goes over what to know about lead in certain ground cinnamon. https://t.co/M33Bj2Yh5q pic.twitter.com/3zI1bO8AdZ
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) March 8, 2024
Previous Alerts and Ongoing Efforts
Earlier warnings were issued throughout 2023 and 2024 as the FDA expanded its efforts to ensure consumer safety. The discovery of lead in WanaBana applesauce and subsequent FDA actions have highlighted the lingering risk of lead contamination. More than 250 children from 43 states experienced elevated lead levels after consuming these contaminated products. FDA’s continued vigilance reflects its ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
“The FDA continues to work with states to test cinnamon sold directly to consumers at retail and to test cinnamon at import. The FDA will continue our activities at import to prevent unsafe cinnamon from reaching consumers in the U.S., including adding firms and products to import alert where appropriate, according to the expanded alert posted on Nov. 1.” – FDA
The FDA has issued recalls for numerous cinnamon-containing products, such as WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to address the hazards posed by lead. The agency emphasizes the necessity for both domestic and international suppliers to conduct voluntary testing to guarantee compliance with safety standards.
FDA issues alert for ground cinnamon brand due to potential lead contamination https://t.co/vvEBgE6A6y pic.twitter.com/PqjXMDwAW5
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) July 30, 2024
Impact of Lead Exposure
The potential health implications of lead exposure underscore the urgency of the FDA’s current campaign. Lead, even at low concentrations, poses significant health risks when accumulated over time. This is especially true for children, whose developing bodies are more susceptible to its harmful effects. The identification and recall of affected products are essential steps toward safeguarding public health.
Good nutrition can alleviate some effects of lead exposure, yet the best defense remains preventing exposure in the first place. The FDA’s ongoing testing at both retail and import levels aims to halt the influx of unsafe products into the country. As part of this mission, the agency has actively expanded its alert list to encompass more products and manufacturers.
Sources:
FDA issues another warning about cinnamon with elevated levels of lead
FDA Issues 3rd Public Warning for Cinnamon Products
