Seema Khaneja MD
Updated on: October 10, 2024 8:40 pm GMT
Cinnamon is a popular ingredient used in a variety of culinary dishes, from baked goods to savory meals. However, a recent investigation by Consumer Reports has raised serious health concerns regarding certain cinnamon powders and multi-spice blends. The report identified twelve brands with unsettlingly high lead levels, compelling consumers to reconsider their choices at the grocery store.
Lead Contamination in Cinnamon Products
Consumer Reports found that cinnamon powders and spice blends from twelve brands contain lead levels exceeding 1 part per million (ppm), which is significant enough to warrant product recalls under New York state guidelines. These brands included well-known names such as Paras, EGN, Mimi’s Products, Bowl & Basket, Rani Brand, Zara Foods, Three Rivers, Yu Yee Brand, BaiLiFeng, Spicy King, Badia, and Deep.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
The amounts detected in these products are alarming. According to James Rogers, the Director of Food Safety Research and Testing at Consumer Reports, even a quarter teaspoon of any of the identified cinnamon products contains more lead than an individual should consume in an entire day. “If you have one of those products, we think you should throw it away,” he stated, emphasizing the long-term dangers associated with lead exposure.
Lead is a toxic substance that can accumulate in the body, and its effects can be particularly damaging over time. The Mayo Clinic warns that frequent lead exposure can lead to severe health issues, including immune system suppression, reproductive problems, kidney damage, mood disorders, cognitive impairments, and hypertension in adults. For children, lead exposure can inhibit growth, cause behavioral problems, trigger seizures, and result in other serious health complications.
Brands with High Lead Levels
The findings from Consumer Reports indicated varying lead contents among the compromised brands. Notably, Paras cinnamon powder exhibited the highest lead concentration at 3.52 ppm. Other cinnamon and spice products highlighted as unsafe include:
- EGN
- Mimi’s Products
- Bowl & Basket
- Rani Brand
- Zara Foods
- Three Rivers
- Yu Yee Brand
- BaiLiFeng
- Spicy King
- Deep
These brands have come under scrutiny, with Consumer Reports advising consumers to dispose of these products immediately.
Responses from Affected Brands
Following the report, some brands responded to their products being flagged for high lead levels. Paras and EGN indicated that they would cease sales of their cinnamon powder products and withdraw them from store shelves. Deep and Yu Yee Brand asserted that they had either conducted their tests or relied on third-party assessment results.
A representative from NAC Foods, which produces Mimi’s Products, affirmed that they based their findings on vendor reports stating that lead levels did not exceed 1 ppm. Similarly, Wakefern Food Corp., the parent company of ShopRite’s Bowl & Basket brand, emphasized their commitment to product quality and asserted that their cinnamon complies with all safety standards.
As for Badia Spices, a spokesperson stated that their ground cinnamon products align with federal and international regulations regarding heavy metals. Multiple inquiries from USA TODAY to other companies mentioned in the report did not receive responses.
Safe Cinnamon Brands for Consumers
Not all cinnamon products are deemed unsafe, as Consumer Reports also identified several brands with lead levels considered safe for consumption. These include:
- 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)
In responses to the findings, McCormick reiterated their monitoring of environmental factors that could increase heavy metal concentrations. Simply Organic highlighted their compliance with New York’s limits and emphasized their rigorous product testing protocols.
For more information on the findings, consumers can refer to the official report by Consumer Reports here.
People are worried about lead contamination, so it’s really important to pay attention to what we buy. We should always think about our health and safety when choosing our food. A recent investigation shows how crucial it is to check that our everyday ingredients are safe.
