Houston, Texas – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to consumers regarding certain ground cinnamon products that contain elevated levels of lead. While these products do not pose the same risk as the recalled applesauce pouches, the FDA emphasized that prolonged exposure to these cinnamon products may be unsafe. The agency specifically mentioned six cinnamon products in sticks and powder form that are being sold at retail chains such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Save A Lot, under various brand names like La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chilar.
The FDA’s warning comes after the analysis of ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores for lead and chromium following the lead poisoning cases linked to apple cinnamon pouches manufactured by a company in Ecuador. Although the lead levels in the cinnamon products are lower compared to the contaminated applesauce products, federal officials expressed concerns over the high levels of lead found in the recalled items. Despite the lower levels in the cinnamon products, they are still considered too high for human health, according to FDA Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones.
Jones emphasized the shared responsibility among food growers, manufacturers, importers, and retailers in ensuring the safety of food products on store shelves. The FDA highlighted the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to elevated levels of lead in the blood from consuming these contaminated cinnamon products. While no illnesses have been reported in connection to the affected products, the FDA remains vigilant in addressing potential health hazards posed by contaminants in food items.
In an effort to protect consumers, the FDA has called on cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators in the U.S. to implement controls to prevent contamination from chemical hazards in food. The agency will provide updates once the companies voluntarily agree to recall the affected products. This move underscores the commitment of federal health officials to ensure the safety of the food supply chain and protect consumers from harmful contaminants in food items.