FDA Issues Public Health Alert on Lead-Contaminated Cinnamon Products Sold at Discount Retailers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health alert cautioning consumers against purchasing six ground cinnamon products from retailers such as Family Dollar and Dollar Tree due to elevated levels of lead. The alert, released on Wednesday, also advised individuals to inspect their spice racks and dispose of any of the identified products.

Recalls and Poisonings

This warning follows nationwide recalls of lead-tainted applesauce, which have been linked to 468 cases of poisonings, with the majority involving young children. Recognizing the potential danger of lead toxicity, the FDA conducted a targeted survey of ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores and subjected the samples to analysis for lead and chromium.

Identification of Contaminated Brands

As a result of their analysis, the FDA identified six brands with elevated levels of the metals. These include La Fiesta, sold at La Superior and SuperMercados; Marcum, sold at Save A Lot; MTCI, sold at SF Supermarket; Swad, sold at Patel Brothers; Supreme Tradition, sold at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar; and El Chilar, sold at La Joya Morelense.

Recommendations and Potential Health Risks

The FDA has recommended that the manufacturers of the affected products initiate a recall, with the exception of MTCI cinnamon, as the agency has been unable to contact the company. While immediate symptoms of lead exposure may not be readily apparent, prolonged exposure to these metals can pose serious health risks. Exposure to lead during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood can result in harmful neurological effects such as learning and behavioral disabilities, as well as a decreased IQ.