After a string of cinnamon product recalls in the U.S. over the past year due to high levels of lead, a recent report by Consumer Reports has shed light on the concerning amount of the toxic metal found in a third of cinnamon powders purchased from various grocery stores in the Northeast. Lead is a harmful substance with no safe limit for consumption, and its presence in food products poses a serious health risk, especially for children and pregnant women.
The issue of lead contamination in cinnamon products raises questions about the lack of regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on heavy metal levels in foods intended for young children. Laurie Beyranevand, director of the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law and Graduate School, expressed concerns about the FDA’s response to the issue, stating that the agency may not be addressing the problem as quickly as necessary.
Following a significant FDA investigation into lead-contaminated apple cinnamon fruit puree last year, the agency initiated screenings of cinnamon imports and issued warnings and recalls for brands with elevated lead levels. Consumer Reports conducted tests on popular brands such as Badia, McCormick, and Morton & Bassett, as well as smaller brands, across 17 mainstream and niche grocery stores. The results revealed high levels of lead in 12 products, with levels reaching up to 3.5 parts per million.
One of the brands, Paras cinnamon powder, was found to have the highest lead content at 3.52 ppm, while EGN cinnamon powder contained levels up to 2.91 ppm. Badia, a commonly used cinnamon powder brand, had lead levels of 1.03 ppm. These findings raise concerns about the safety of consuming these products, particularly for children and pregnant women who may be more vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure.
The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization has proposed an international safety standard of 2.5 ppm for spices containing cinnamon. In New York, where heavy metals in spices are regulated, anything above 1 ppm would trigger a recall. Dr. Adam Keating, a pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, emphasized the importance of considering the potential risks of regular lead ingestion, especially for young children and pregnant women.
While the FDA does not currently set limits for heavy metals in spices like cinnamon, it does establish limits for certain foods such as sugar-based candies. Last year, the agency proposed limits on lead levels in processed baby food to reduce exposure to the contaminant. However, these guidelines are not expected to be finalized until the following year, leaving many concerned about the lack of immediate action to address the issue.
Lead exposure can have serious health consequences for individuals of all ages, but it is particularly harmful to children. High levels of lead can lead to developmental delays, learning problems, reduced IQ, and damage to the brain and nervous system. Despite the potential risks, many children may not exhibit obvious symptoms of lead poisoning, underscoring the importance of routine lead screening for young children.
Consumer Reports advised individuals to check their homes for cinnamon products with high lead levels and dispose of them. The report also suggested sticking to mainstream brands, as the majority of products with elevated lead content were from lesser-known brands sold in specialty markets. While the FDA has scaled back some of its response efforts following the cinnamon applesauce investigation, it continues to monitor products for high lead levels in stores.
In conclusion, the presence of high lead levels in cinnamon products is a significant health concern that requires immediate attention from regulatory agencies and consumers alike. By being vigilant about the products we consume and advocating for stricter regulations on heavy metal levels in foods, we can work towards ensuring the safety of our food supply and protecting the health of vulnerable populations.
