Federal health authorities are urging consumers to inspect their spice racks and cupboards after discovering elevated lead levels in several ground cinnamon products.
CBS news reported that the Food and Drug Administration recommended recalls of nine brands of ground cinnamon with lead concentrations ranging from 2.03 to 7.01 parts per million (ppm), a significant reduction from levels found in WanaBana cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products previously recalled in the fall of 2023.
The FDA advises the public to discard and avoid purchasing the ground cinnamon products listed, warning that ‘prolonged exposure may be unsafe and could contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood.’
Short-term lead exposure might not produce symptoms, but long-term exposure can cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system, leading to learning difficulties and developmental problems in children, the FDA explained. Chronic exposure in adults has been linked to kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.
Lead contamination in paint, water, dust, and soil is well known, but other items such as candies, spices, ceremonial powders, and alternative medicines have also been found to contain the metal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Awarenss of other sources, such as spices adulterated with lead chromate, is important,” stated the CDC in a recent report.
Lead chromate, or chrome yellow, is an inorganic compound used as a pigment. Though it is no longer employed in house paint, it remains in use for marine and industrial paints and to color plastics, according to the American Chemical Society.
One of the recalls involves American Spices of Ozone Park, New York, which is recalling its Spice Class brand ground cinnamon distributed to retailers in New York City between December 1, 2023, and May 15, 2024. An analysis by New York state officials detected elevated lead levels in the product.
Packed in 7-ounce and 12-ounce plastic jars with an expiration date of December 12, 2026, consumers are urged to stop using the cinnamon immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Those with questions can contact the company at 1-917-532-6768.
Advance Food International of Maspeth, New York, is another company recalling its Shahzada brand cinnamon powder due to potential lead contamination. Distributed to retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York between January 1, 2024, and May 24, 2024, the cinnamon powder is being pulled from shelves.
Consumers with questions may reach Advance Food International at 1-718-482-0123.
Another recall announced on Friday by ALB-USA Enterprises of Bronx, New York, involves ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder. This recall is also due to elevated lead levels, mirroring the concerns addressed by the FDA.
The FDA pointed out the dangers of continued consumption of these contaminated products, highlighting the risk of prolonged exposure leading to serious health issues.
By comprehensively scrutinizing products and recalling those with unsafe lead levels, these regulatory measures aim to protect public health and raise awareness about lesser-known sources of lead contamination.
Although immediate symptoms from low-level lead exposure might not be evident, the long-term effects can be significant, necessitating these recall measures to safeguard both children and adults.
Consumers are encouraged to stay vigilant, check their spice racks, and ensure that products they use are safe, following recall guidelines and seeking refunds where necessary.
CBS news reported that the Food and Drug Administration recommended recalls of nine brands of ground cinnamon with lead concentrations ranging from 2.03 to 7.01 parts per million (ppm), a significant reduction from levels found in WanaBana cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products previously recalled in the fall of 2023.
The FDA advises the public to discard and avoid purchasing the ground cinnamon products listed, warning that ‘prolonged exposure may be unsafe and could contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood.’
Short-term lead exposure might not produce symptoms, but long-term exposure can cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system, leading to learning difficulties and developmental problems in children, the FDA explained. Chronic exposure in adults has been linked to kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.
Lead contamination in paint, water, dust, and soil is well known, but other items such as candies, spices, ceremonial powders, and alternative medicines have also been found to contain the metal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Awarenss of other sources, such as spices adulterated with lead chromate, is important,” stated the CDC in a recent report.
Lead chromate, or chrome yellow, is an inorganic compound used as a pigment. Though it is no longer employed in house paint, it remains in use for marine and industrial paints and to color plastics, according to the American Chemical Society.
One of the recalls involves American Spices of Ozone Park, New York, which is recalling its Spice Class brand ground cinnamon distributed to retailers in New York City between December 1, 2023, and May 15, 2024. An analysis by New York state officials detected elevated lead levels in the product.
Packed in 7-ounce and 12-ounce plastic jars with an expiration date of December 12, 2026, consumers are urged to stop using the cinnamon immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Those with questions can contact the company at 1-917-532-6768.
Advance Food International of Maspeth, New York, is another company recalling its Shahzada brand cinnamon powder due to potential lead contamination. Distributed to retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York between January 1, 2024, and May 24, 2024, the cinnamon powder is being pulled from shelves.
Consumers with questions may reach Advance Food International at 1-718-482-0123.
Another recall announced on Friday by ALB-USA Enterprises of Bronx, New York, involves ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder. This recall is also due to elevated lead levels, mirroring the concerns addressed by the FDA.
The FDA pointed out the dangers of continued consumption of these contaminated products, highlighting the risk of prolonged exposure leading to serious health issues.
By comprehensively scrutinizing products and recalling those with unsafe lead levels, these regulatory measures aim to protect public health and raise awareness about lesser-known sources of lead contamination.
Although immediate symptoms from low-level lead exposure might not be evident, the long-term effects can be significant, necessitating these recall measures to safeguard both children and adults.
Consumers are encouraged to stay vigilant, check their spice racks, and ensure that products they use are safe, following recall guidelines and seeking refunds where necessary.
Source : Times of India
