Consumer Reports has revealed that one-third of cinnamon powders tested from various grocery stores in the Northeast contain troubling levels of lead. This follows recent recalls and a major investigation by the FDA into lead contamination in WanaBana cinnamon applesauce. The presence of lead in food is particularly alarming due to its health risks, especially for young children and pregnant women.
Lead in Cinnamon Products
In the recent study, Consumer Reports tested this spice powders from brands such as Badia, McCormick, and Morton & Bassett, as well as smaller brands, across 17 grocery stores. The results showed high levels of lead in 12 products, with concentrations reaching up to 3.5 parts per million (ppm). Specifically:
- Paras cinnamon powder had the highest lead level at 3.52 ppm.
- EGN cinnamon powder reached 2.91 ppm.
- Badia cinnamon powder contained 1.03 ppm.
The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization has suggested a safety standard of 2.5 ppm for spices like cinnamon. In New York, any product exceeding 1 ppm of lead would prompt a recall. Consumer Reports highlighted that some products tested had lead levels up to three times this threshold, raising significant concerns.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Dr. Adam Keating, a pediatrician with Cleveland Clinic Children’s, emphasized the dangers of regular lead consumption, particularly for children and pregnant women. Chronic exposure to lead can lead to developmental delays, learning problems, reduced IQ, and damage to the brain and nervous system. Lead exposure can also affect hearing and speech. Keating advises routine lead screening for children at 1 and 2 years of age to monitor and manage potential exposure.
FDA Response and Recommendations
Currently, the FDA does not set specific limits for lead in spices like cinnamon, though it does have guidelines for certain foods, such as candy. The agency proposed limits on lead in processed baby food last year, which could reduce exposure by up to 27%. However, these guidelines are not expected to be finalized until next year.
Laurie Beyranevand, director of the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law and Graduate School, expressed concerns about the pace at which the FDA is addressing heavy metal contamination in food products. She suggested that the prevalence of high lead levels in cinnamon might prompt the agency to establish action levels for such contaminants more swiftly.
In light of these findings, Consumer Reports advises consumers to check their homes for affected this spice products and discard them if necessary. They also recommend opting for mainstream brands, as the majority of the high lead-containing products were from less familiar brands sold mainly in specialty international food markets.
While the FDA has scaled down some of its response efforts related to the cinnamon applesauce investigation, it continues to monitor and evaluate other products for elevated lead levels to ensure consumer safety.
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