Cinnamon is a highly appreciated spice in the kitchen, and its use increases in the fall season and at Christmas due to the subtle aroma that permeates the preparations. However, this ingredient must be reviewed, since from August 2024 to date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled or alerted about the withdrawal of 16 brands.
The FDA has repeatedly updated a public health alert on several occasions due to the detection of toxic/elevated levels of lead in various retail ground cinnamon products.
This is ground cinnamon, from different brands, which has the risk of lead contamination. A heavy metal that, when consumed for a long time, can have neurotoxic effects and be dangerous to human health, especially in children.
The list of contaminated products includes the brands: Roshni, HAETAE, Durra, Wise Wife, Jiva Organics, Supermarca, Asli, El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compañía Indillor Oriental, Sabor ALB (ALB Flavor), Shahzada, Spice Class and La Frontera.
The most recent update published on the official FDA site reveals that on October 10, ground cinnamon brands from HAETAE and Roshni were included. Also included on October 8 were Durra and Wise Wife.
How to Identify Recalled Cinnamon Brands
Since the investigation began in August 2024, FDA continues to review ground cinnamon samples collected from retailers for and reporting elevated levels of lead. Below are the 16 cinnamon brands withdrawn from the market:
Lead Concentration (ppm): 7.68 and 6.60
Distributor/Retailer: IHA Beverage, CA (Voluntary Retirement); Asian Supermarket, AR.
Lead Concentration (ppm): 7.01 and 3.75
Distributor/Retailer: El Chilar HF, LLC (Extended Retirement); El Torito Market.
Lead Concentration (ppm): 4.60
Distributor/Retailer: Haitai Inc. USA
Lead Concentration (ppm): 3.93
Distributor/Retailer: ALB-USA Enterprises Inc., NY; Eurogrocery.
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.89
Distributor/Retailer: Raja Foods LLC; Patel Brothers.
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.66
Distributor/Retailer: La Frontera Imports; Frutas Y Abarrotes Mexico, Inc.
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.49
Distributor/Minorista: SLR Food Distribution, Inc. (Distribuido en NJ, NY, FL, MD, MN, OK, OH).
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.44
Distributor/Retailer: EUREKA INC. USA (Distributed in California and Michigan).
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.37
Distribuidor/Minorista: Greenbrier International, Inc.; Dollar Tree.
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.32
Distributor/Retailer: Sands Impex Inc.; A&Y Global Market.
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.29
Distributor/Retailer: US Spicy World
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2,268
Distribuidor/Minorista: Singh Trading Inc. (Roshni Foods).
- Indillor Oriental Company
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.23
Distributor/Retailer: MAMTAKIM, Inc.; Eurogrocery.
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.22 and 2.14
Distributor/Retailer: Moran Foods, LLC; Save-A-Lot Food Stores, Ltd.
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.04
Distributor/Retailer: American Spices LLC, NY; Fish world.
Lead Concentration (ppm): 2.03
Distributor/Retailer: Advance Food International, Inc.; Premium Supermarket.
What are the chronic symptoms and risks of lead contamination?
Although the FDA warns that exposure to very low levels of lead for a short period may not cause any apparent symptoms. It is considered risky when it exceeds 1 part per million (ppm). The brands withdrawn from the market exceeded the established limits.
Chronic exposure to lead, which can affect virtually all body systems, depending on the amount, duration of exposure, and the age and body weight of the affected person.
In adults it can cause kidney dysfunction, hypertension and neurocognitive effects. Often, the only sign of exposure may be an increase in blood lead levels. While in children, prolonged exposure (weeks or months) to a sufficient amount of lead can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system. Long-term risks include developmental defects, learning disorders, and other serious health problems.
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