FDA Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Cinnamon Products Due to Elevated Lead Levels
Increased Lead Contamination Risks Prompt Urgent Consumer Advisories and Recommended Recalls
On July 30, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a public health alert concerning various ground cinnamon products that contain elevated levels of lead, posing potential health risks to consumers. Through extensive testing conducted by state programs, the FDA identified multiple products with lead concentrations ranging from 2.03 to 7.01 parts per million (ppm). The agency is advising consumers to discard these products and refrain from purchasing them.
The alert includes a list of affected brands, their distributors, and lead levels detected in specific lot codes. Notable brands include El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, and Shahzada, among others. The FDA has recommended that these firms voluntarily recall the listed products to prevent continued consumer exposure.
The FDA's assessment indicates that prolonged consumption of these contaminated products could lead to increased lead levels in the bloodstream, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as young children. Although no illnesses or adverse events have been reported in connection with these products so far, the FDA emphasizes the serious implications of lead exposure, including neurological effects in children.
In its ongoing efforts to ensure food safety, the FDA has been collaborating with state partners to monitor ground cinnamon and other spices for contaminants. This alert follows previous warnings issued in March and July 2024 regarding additional ground cinnamon products. The agency is committed to reviewing ongoing sample results and updating the public health alert as necessary.
To minimize health risks associated with lead exposure, the FDA recommends that consumers maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients, which may help mitigate the harmful effects of contaminants.
How can we survive without the FDA !! 🤦♀️
Where are the alerts for toxic aluminum levels injected into infants?