Federal health officials issued a warning on Wednesday, advising consumers to discard ground cinnamon sold by various U.S. discount retailers due to contamination with high levels of lead.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that ground cinnamon products from stores like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar contain lead levels that could pose a risk, particularly to children, with prolonged exposure. The FDA urged suppliers to voluntarily recall these products.
The affected cinnamon products listed in the FDA’s safety alert include brands like La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, El Chilar, and Supreme Tradition, sold by different retailers.
According to the alert issued by the FDA, removing these ground cinnamon products from the market will help prevent elevated lead exposure in children’s diets.
Consumers are advised not to purchase these products and to dispose of any containers they may have at home. Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores have already removed the contaminated cinnamon from their shelves, and customers can return the products to nearby stores for a refund.
The FDA initiated a targeted survey of cinnamon products sold in discount stores after a recall in October 2023, which involved lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches that caused illness in nearly 500 children in the U.S.
While the ground cinnamon products mentioned in the alert have lower lead levels compared to the puree pouches, which contained significantly higher concentrations of lead, no illnesses or adverse health effects have been reported so far.
It’s important to note that there is no safe level of lead exposure for humans, and long-term exposure can lead to various health problems, especially in children, including learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and decreased IQ.
Although the FDA monitors food for lead levels, there are currently no broad restrictions on lead in food products in the U.S. The agency has reminded all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators of their obligation to prevent contamination from chemical hazards in food, including spices.
