Path forward after lead contamination in cinnamon
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has provided insights following the discovery of high amounts of lead in cinnamon and the subsequent product recall issued by the agency.
Because lead can spread to the brain, liver, kidney, bones and teeth — as well as the fetus in pregnant individuals — exposure to high levels of lead can lead to severe illness in children, according to a news report from NPR. For instance, exposure to even low levels of lead can cause reduced IQ, hyperactivity, behavioral issues and slowed growth.
Cases of elevated blood lead levels linked to cinnamon products were reported in more than 40 U.S. states. The FDA indicated that lead chromate may have intentionally been used as a color additive in some of the products imported from other states, including cinnamon fruit pouches. However, none of the major U.S. spice companies were impacted by the adulteration. Lead chromate is a known carcinogen and can adversely affect the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys and immune system.
In 2024, the FDA issued three health alerts for ground cinnamon products with between 2.03 and 20 parts per million of lead. Further, a September report discovered that one-third of cinnamon products contained lead levels over one part per million. Because the heavy metal occurs naturally and artificially in the soil, water and surrounding environment as a result of the historical use of lead paint and plumbing, the agency stated that the presence of lead in cinnamon products is inevitable. Currently, the FDA is working to establish contamination limits in foods, especially those consumed by vulnerable populations like infants and young children.
Read more: NPR
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