Health officials in the United States have issued a warning regarding several types of ground cinnamon sold at specific discount and specialty grocery stores due to high levels of lead contamination. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its third alert this year, identifying at least 10 types of packaged ground cinnamon sold at outlets like Dollar Tree, Patel Brothers, and Eurogrocery stores across several states. The FDA has advised companies to recall these products, urging consumers to discard any affected ground cinnamon and avoid purchasing them. Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products.
Affected Brands of Cinnamon
The FDA's latest alert named several brands of cinnamon that are affected, including El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indillor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class, and La Frontera. Additionally, the El Servidor brand was flagged in a previous alert on July 25. Testing revealed lead levels ranging from slightly over 2 parts per million to about 7 parts per million in most of the spices, with the El Servidor brand showing a lead concentration of 20 parts per million.
Lead Contamination in Spices
Lead can find its way into spices from various sources, including natural elements like soil and water, environmental pollution, and even through manufacturing, storage, or shipping processes. In some instances, spices may be adulterated with substances like lead to enhance color or weight, potentially increasing the product's value.
Health Concerns and Recommendations
Health officials emphasize that no amount of lead is safe for consumption, underscoring the importance of avoiding it. While the immediate harm from a single use of contaminated spices may be minimal due to their small quantities, prolonged exposure over weeks or months could lead to health issues.
Avoiding Lead in Spices
Given the challenges in identifying contaminated spices on store shelves, consumers are advised to purchase spices from companies that openly declare their monitoring of sources. Such companies are likely to prioritize brand protection and product safety. Despite potential cost implications, investing in verified, safe spices is crucial to safeguarding health.
