Arlington, Virginia – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers about elevated levels of lead in several ground cinnamon products. While not as severe as the recalled applesauce pouches, the FDA has deemed prolonged exposure to six cinnamon products sold in sticks and powder form as potentially unsafe.
Manufacturers are being urged by the FDA to initiate a recall of these products, sold at retail chains such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Save A Lot, under various brand names. The agency took action after samples of ground cinnamon products were analyzed for lead and chromium following a nationwide lead poisoning outbreak linked to certain apple cinnamon pouches. The level of lead found in the new products is significantly lower than that found in the recalled applesauce, which was contaminated with lead chromate.
Lead levels in the cinnamon products recommended for recall range from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, much lower than the levels associated with the applesauce products. According to Jim Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, although the risk to human health is not as severe, the levels are still too high.
The FDA highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of food products for consumers and the need to better protect those vulnerable to lead exposure. Prolonged exposure to these products could lead to elevated levels of lead in the blood, posing potential health risks, particularly for populations already exposed to lead.
As of now, no illnesses have been linked to the affected products. The FDA is awaiting responses from companies potentially involved in the recall process. The agency’s actions reflect efforts to hold the industry accountable for safeguarding consumers from harmful contaminants in food products.
In a letter addressed to cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators in the U.S., the FDA emphasizes the requirement for implementing controls to prevent contamination from chemical hazards in food. Updates on the recall process will be provided once responses from the companies are received.