High lead content found in cinnamon and spice powders: Complete list of affected brands
A report has found that high traces of lead are present in 12 brands of cinnamon powder and multi-spice blends. Here is the list of affected products.
Cinnamon is particularly popular in the fall due to pumpkin spice products that are associated with the season. However, consumers must beware before sprinkling some cinnamon onto their food or beverage, as a report indicates some brands have been found to have high levels of lead.
Consumer Reports, a non-profit consumer organization that studies the quality of goods and services, has found that a number of cinnamon powders and spice blends contain traces of lead that would be enough to warrant “a recall in New York, the only state that regulates heavy metals in spices.”
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall of several ground cinnamon brands due to elevated lead levels in the past because exposure to the products could pose a risk to consumers’ health.
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The dangers of exposure to lead
Short-term and low-level exposure to the metal may not cause any symptoms, but higher levels of lead exposure can have serious and detrimental effects on the human body. It can affect different bodily systems and lead to a range of health problems, particularly for babies and young children.
The severity of these effects depends on the level and duration of exposure, as well as the age and health of the individual.
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High lead content found in cinnamon and spice powders: Complete list of affected brands
Due to the alarming results of the Consumer Reports study, the organization has shared their data with New York authorities for further investigation.
Here are the 12 brands of cinnamon and multi-spice powders that the group says must be avoided or thrown away.
- Badia cinnamon powder
- BaiLiFeng five spice powder
- Bowl & Basket ground cinnamon
- Deep cinnamon Powder
- EGN cinnamon powder
- Mimi’s Products ground cinnamon
- Paras cinnamon powder
- Rani Brand ground cinnamon
- Spicy King five spices powder
- Three Rivers cinnamon stick powder
- Yu Yee Brand five spice powder
- Zara Foods cinnamon powder
What to do if you suspect exposure to lead
The FDA says if you believe that someone has been exposed to high levels of lead, you must contact your health provider immediately. The agency recommends consumers take the following actions for complaints and reports of illness or allergic reactions:
- Call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator if you wish to speak directly to a person about your problem.
- Complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
- Complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form that can be mailed to FDA.
- Visit www.fda.gov/fcic for additional consumer and industry assistance.