Lead-tainted cinnamon has been recalled. Here's what you should know
How do the lead levels found in the recalled cinnamon compare to those detected in the cinnamon from Ecuador that contaminated applesauce pouches?
The lead levels found in the recalled cinnamon range from 2 parts per million to 4 parts per million3. This is significantly lower than the 2,000 to 5,000 parts per million detected in the ground cinnamon from Ecuador that contaminated the applesauce pouches3. While the levels in the recalled cinnamon are lower, they still pose potential health risks, especially with prolonged exposure.
Why is there currently no FDA limit for heavy metals in spices, and how does this compare to the limits set for other products like candy?
The FDA has not set specific limits for heavy metals in spices, unlike the 1 part per million limit for lead in candy likely to be consumed by small children. The lack of a specific limit for heavy metals in spices is partly due to the complexity of regulating a wide range of spices and the varying levels of natural contaminants in them. Moreover, spices are consumed in smaller quantities compared to candy, which may also be a factor in the different regulatory approach.
However, the American Spice Trade Association, an industry trade group, recommends no more than 2 parts per million of lead in bark spices such as cinnamon. The FDA conducts periodic testing of retail samples of spices to determine whether other products are contaminated with heavy metals, as seen in the recent recall of several brands of cinnamon due to high lead levels.
Which specific brands and stores are involved in the cinnamon recall due to elevated lead levels?
The cinnamon recall due to elevated lead levels involves six brands of ground cinnamon, typically sold at discount stores. The brands are:
- La Fiesta: Distributed by La Fiesta Food Products of La Miranda, California.
- Marcum: Distributed by Moran Foods, LLC of Saint Ann, Missouri.
- MK: Distributed by MTCI of Santa Fe Springs, California.
- Swad: Distributed by Raja Foods LLC of Skokie, Illinois.
- Supreme Tradition: Distributed by Greenbriar International, Inc. of Chesapeake, Virginia.
- El Chilar: Distributed by El Chilar of Apopka, Florida.
These brands have been found to contain lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended voluntary recalls for these products, but one manufacturer, MTCI, the distributor of MK cinnamon, has not responded to the agency's correspondence. Consumers should discard the impacted cinnamon products and should not purchase or consume these products.