Several products containing ground cinnamon recalled due to lead contamination

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to the public after several ground cinnamon products were recalled due to lead contamination.

This is the third FDA warning this year for ground cinnamon. In the most recent warning, the FDA recommended the recall of nine brands of cinnamon products with elevated lead levels between 2.03 and 7.01 parts per million (ppm). The products were sold in stores such as Dollar Tree in California, El Torito Market in Maryland and Premium Supermarket in New York.

No illnesses have been reported, but the FDA advises consumers to stop using the affected ground cinnamon products listed here.

The levels in the ground cinnamon are significantly lower than the levels detected in WanaBana’s applesauce products, which contained between 2,270 ppm and 5,110 ppm of lead in the cinnamon. The applesauce products were linked to more than 400 cases of lead poisoning in 2023.

There is no safe level of lead in food, but last year the FDA proposed a much lower limit for baby food, between 10 and 20 parts per billion (ppb).

Although the lead content of the recalled cinnamon powder is low, long-term dietary lead exposure could contribute to neurological symptoms, especially in children.

Lead exposure in childhood can cause developmental disorders, including damage to the nervous system, intelligence and behavior. These can lead to health consequences later in life, including ADHD, high blood pressure and reproductive problems.

Most people exposed to lead experience no symptoms at all. In rare and severe cases of lead poisoning, some people may experience a purple discoloration of the gums, commonly referred to as “lead lines.” Other symptoms of severe poisoning include constipation, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

According to the FDA, eating a varied and healthy diet can help reduce exposure to the same contaminant and may also protect against the effects of lead.