In the wake of an alarming discovery regarding lead contamination, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning to consumers regarding six brands of ground cinnamon. This comes after an investigation that initially focused on tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches in October.
The FDA’s investigation, now expanded, has revealed elevated levels of lead in various ground cinnamon products. These findings indicate a broader concern beyond the previously recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches, which were flavored with cinnamon imported from Ecuador. The agency disclosed on Wednesday that over 460 confirmed and suspected cases of lead poisoning have been linked to the consumption of applesauce pouches sold under certain brands like WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis, flavored with tainted cinnamon. Most concerning is that many of these cases involve children and are still under investigation.
In response to these alarming findings, the FDA has taken swift action, issuing a letter to all US cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators to remind them of their responsibility in preventing contamination. Further testing has led the FDA to recommend recalls of ground cinnamon from six distributors. These brands include La Fiesta, Marcum, MTCI, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chillar. The concentrations of lead found in these products, while lower than those in the cinnamon applesauce pouches, still pose significant health risks. The FDA urges consumers who possess these products to discontinue use immediately and dispose of them safely.
The concentrations of lead in the ground cinnamon products ranged from 2 to 3.4 parts per million, significantly lower than the levels found in the recalled cinnamon applesauce pouches, which ranged from about 2,300 to 5,100 parts per million. It is crucial to note that most individuals exposed to elevated lead levels may not exhibit immediate symptoms. However, the FDA advises anyone who suspects exposure to consult a healthcare provider promptly.
This latest development underscores the importance of rigorous oversight and consumer awareness in safeguarding public health. The FDA continues to monitor the situation closely and urges the public to remain vigilant in their consumption of cinnamon products.