High Lead Levels in Cinnamon Powders Raise Safety Concerns

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Updated on: October 11, 2024 8:40 pm GMT

Consumer Reports has flagged several cinnamon products as hazardous, revealing heightened lead levels that could pose health risks. In a recent study, the organization tested 36 ground cinnamon products and spiced blends, finding that one-third contained lead levels exceeding one part per million (ppm). This level is significant; it triggers regulatory actions in New York, the only state that regulates heavy metals in spices.

The report not only raises profound concerns about food safety but has also prompted calls for consumers to reassess their spice purchases, especially those involving widely used cinnamon.

High Lead Levels Detected

Among the 12 cinnamon powders deemed unsafe, Consumer Reports included well-known brands such as:

Paras cinnamon powder
EGN cinnamon powder
Mimi’s Products ground cinnamon
Bowl & Basket ground cinnamon
Zara Foods cinnamon powder
Three Rivers cinnamon stick powder
Yu Yee Brand five spice powder
BaiLiFeng five spice powder
Spicy King five spices powder
Badia cinnamon powder
Rani Brand cinnamon powder
Deep cinnamon powder

James Rogers, PhD, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, advised consumers to throw away any products listed. He noted that even low lead exposure can accumulate in the body and may lead to serious health issues over time.

Background of the Study

Consumer Reports conducted these tests after a disturbing lead poisoning outbreak last fall affected over 500 children, traced back to cinnamon present in three brands of apple purée. Following the incident, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers against using certain ground cinnamon products with elevated lead levels.

This investigation involved cinnamon products purchased from 17 different stores across Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and various online platforms.

What Lead Exposure Can Mean for Health

Lead exposure affects both children and adults, albeit in different ways. The health impacts of lead are serious and varied:

In children:

– Permanent damage to the central nervous system

– Learning disorders

– Developmental defects

In adults:

– Kidney dysfunction

– Hypertension

– Neurocognitive effects

The FDA emphasizes that there is no safe level of lead exposure, and the results of this recent study alarm health experts, who stress the importance of awareness regarding contaminated food products.

Lead in Cinnamon: How It Happens

The presence of lead in cinnamon can come from various sources, including:

Natural absorption by the Cinnamomum trees from contaminated soil or groundwater.
Contamination during processing through equipment, storage containers, or packaging.

Laura Shumow, the executive director of the American Spice Trade Association, explains that lead is a naturally occurring element, which means it’s almost impossible to eliminate it from spices once it infiltrates the product.

Responses from Manufacturers

Following the Consumer Reports findings, manufacturers have responded in varying degrees.

Paras and EGN: Have announced their intent to remove their affected products from the market.
Deep and Yu Yee Brand: Claimed they had conducted their own tests or relied on supplier testing.
Mimi’s Products: Asserted that their vendor’s analytical reports showed no lead levels exceeding 1 ppm in their ground cinnamon.

Attempts to obtain comments from several other brands included in the report proved unresponsive.

Safe Alternatives for Consumers

Despite the alarming findings, Consumer Reports identified several cinnamon products that were considered safe, including:

Kirkland Signature organic Saigon cinnamon (0.80 ppm)
Walmart’s Great Value ground cinnamon (0.79 ppm)
Trader Joe’s organic ground cinnamon (0.69 ppm)
McCormick cinnamon (0.23 ppm)
365 Whole Foods Market organic ground cinnamon (0.02 ppm) — the lowest recorded lead level.

These brands adhered to necessary testing and monitoring standards, effectively reassuring consumers of their quality and safety.

Recommendations for Consumers

Consumers are advised to be vigilant when purchasing cinnamon and spice products. Following these recommendations can help mitigate risks associated with lead exposure:

Check for warnings on labels: Look for any official notifications about lead levels in cinnamon products.
Research brands: Rely on consumer reports and feedback for information on the safety of spices.
Avoid the listed brands: Discard any cinnamon products from the identified problematic brands immediately.

Consumer Reports emphasizes the critical nature of awareness regarding food safety, particularly in the context of spices that are widely used in cooking and baking.

As the investigation continues, it remains essential for consumers to stay informed and cautious about the brands they choose.