Seema Khaneja MDUpdated on: October 12, 2024 6:49 am GMT
Cinnamon is a beloved ingredient in many kitchens across America, but a recent study has raised significant concerns about its safety. High levels of lead have been detected in cinnamon and spice powders from several well-known brands, prompting health experts to advise consumers to check their pantries. According to a report from Consumer Reports, many popular brands exceeded lead safety thresholds, putting both adults and children at potential risk.
High Levels of Lead Detected
Consumer Reports, a trusted nonprofit organization focused on product safety, found concerning traces of lead in 12 brands of cinnamon and spice products. The study tested a total of 36 ground cinnamon products and revealed that some contained lead levels higher than 1 part per million (ppm). This threshold has been set by New York State as a guideline for recalling unsafe products.
The brands implicated in the report include:
- Paras
- EGN
- Mimi’s Products
- Bowl & Basket
- Rani Brand
- Zara Foods
- Three Rivers
- Yu Yee Brand
- BaiLiFeng
- Spicy King
- Badia
- Deep
James Rogers, the director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. “If you have one of those products, we think you should throw it away,” Rogers stated. He noted that just a quarter teaspoon of these contaminated spices contains more lead than what is considered safe to consume in an entire day.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead is a toxic metal that can harm health over time, particularly with prolonged exposure. The Mayo Clinic warns that potential effects of lead exposure include:
- Immune system suppression
- Reproductive issues
- Kidney damage
- Mood disorders
- Cognitive problems
- Hypertension
Children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which can hinder growth and development, contribute to behavioral issues, and even lead to seizures.
Brands Respond to the Findings
Following the release of Consumer Reports’ findings, some brands have taken immediate action. Paras and EGN announced they would stop selling their cinnamon powder products and withdraw them from store shelves. In contrast, Deep and Yu Yee Brand indicated they had conducted testing on their products, asserting they either met or surpassed safety guidelines.
Mimi’s Products, for instance, stated they rely on vendor reports that claim their ground cinnamon does not exceed the recommended limits. “No lead levels exceeding 1 part per million were found in our ground cinnamon,” a spokesperson for the manufacturer NAC Foods told USA TODAY.
Wakefern Food Corp., which owns the Bowl & Basket brand, asserted that the quality of their products is paramount, and declared that their cinnamon complies with all safety standards. Similarly, Badia Spices confirmed their ground cinnamon products meet federal and international regulations.
Safe Cinnamon Alternatives
Faced with the concerning findings, many consumers might wonder which cinnamon products are safe to use. Thankfully, Consumer Reports also identified several brands that were deemed safe after rigorous testing. The following brands demonstrated low levels of lead:
- McCormick Cinnamon: 0.23 ppm
- Kirkland Signature Organic Saigon Cinnamon: 0.80 ppm
- Great Value Ground Cinnamon: 0.79 ppm
- Trader Joe’s Organic Ground Cinnamon: 0.69 ppm
- Good & Gather Ground Cinnamon: 0.56 ppm
- Simply Organic Cinnamon: 0.28 ppm
- 365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon: 0.12 ppm
- 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon: 0.02 ppm
- Sadaf Cinnamon Powder: 0.04 ppm
According to McCormick, they actively monitor environmental factors that may influence heavy metal contamination. Meanwhile, Simply Organic has adopted New York State’s lead limits and conducts thorough inspections for every shipment.
Conclusion
More and more studies are showing that some popular cinnamon brands have lead in them. This is a big reminder for all of us to pay attention to what we buy for our kitchens, especially when it comes to keeping our families safe and healthy. It’s important to stay away from brands that we know have high levels of lead. By being careful and staying informed, we can help protect our health and live a healthier life.
