Want Your Cinnamon Unleaded? Avoid These Brands! FDA Issues Alert on Lead in Cinnamon Following Investigation.

Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on March 15, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert for certain brands, as they contain unsafe levels of lead in cinnamon. Acute, and especially prolonged exposure to products containing lead is harmful. Particularly in children.

Check your pantry for these products! You could have poison lurking among your spices.

Want you cinnamon unleaded? Here’s what you need to know.

Last Year’s Lead in Cinnamon Applesauce

The findings that led to this alert for lead in cinnamon began in October 2023. Several brands of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products were recalled due to elevated levels of lead.

Turns out, the cinnamon ingredient in these products was the source of the lead toxicity healthcare providers were observing in children.

The CDC has received reports of 126 confirmed cases, 336 probable cases, and 37 suspected cases across 44 states, for a total of 499 cases.

As of the last update, the FDA has reviewed 90 confirmed complaints/reports linked to those recalled products (WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis brand fruit puree products).

Austrofoods Cinnamon Source

The cinnamon supplier in these tainted applesauce brands was traced back to the Austrofoods cinnamon supplier, Negasmart.

Additional analysis of cinnamon collected from the Ecuadorian company revealed the presence of lead and chromium in the spice.

These were ultimately the result of using lead chromate in the product.

Lead Chromate Found in Negasmart Cinnamon

While illegal, lead chromate has been historically used to bulk up certain spices to increase weight and enhance their color. This adulteration is motivated by increasing the monetary value of the spice.

“FDA’s leading hypothesis remains that this was likely an act of economically motivated adulteration.”

Despite an Ecuadorian investigation revealing the “likely source” of the contamination, the agency’s hands are tied when it comes to taking direct action on the culprit.

FDA Powerless to Prosecute Supplier

The FDA has limited authority when it comes to foreign ingredient suppliers who do not ship their product directly to the United States. As an ingredient in another manufacture’s product, all the FDA could do was influence a recall for the products containing the tainted ingredient.

Despite Ecuadorian officials in Agencia Nacional de Regulacion, Control y Vigilancia Sanitaria (ARCSA) determining that Carlos Aguilera was the processor of the cinnamon sticks under the Negasmart label, the issue must be handled domestically in that country.

This company is not in operation at this time.

FDA Investigates for Possible Lead in Cinnamon Suppliers

In addition to the ongoing investigation of apple puree products, the agency has “initiated a targeted survey of ground cinnamon product.” Particularly from discount retail stores.

While looking for lead and chromium, the FDA identified six distributors whose products had elevated lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million.

These findings appear to be unrelated to the apple puree and applesauce product issue, as those contained 2,270 to 5,110 parts per million. However, the investigation is ongoing.

The newly discovered tainted cinnamon brands may not be as adulterated as the cinnamon used in WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis brand, however prolonged exposure to even that level of lead and chromium can cause serious problems.

Recall for Cinnamon Brands Initiated

The FDA is advising consumers to not buy or consume the following brands of cinnamon due to observed lead content.

The investigation is ongoing. More date codes may be added as information becomes available.

Dangers of Lead in Children

Lead is dangerous to people of any age; however the developing body of a child is particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead.

Lead exposure can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slow their growth and development, and cause learning and behavior problems. Hearing and speech problems have also been documented in lead exposure.

Symptoms of lead exposure in children are often difficult to see. There are no immediate or obvious signs. The primary way exposure is diagnosed is through blood lead testing, which is often covered by private insurance policies and most local health departments offer the service.

Has Your Family Been Impacted by Lead in Cinnamon?

Has your family been impacted by this lead in cinnamon problem? You may have a legal case.

The Lange Law Firm, PLLC is experienced with helping families with cases just like yours. We put a lot of trust in the brands that we buy and expect that they source quality ingredients free of harmful additives. When corners are cut, the consumer suffers. Our children suffer.

Call The Lange Law Firm, PLLC at (833) 330-3663 for a free consultation today.

Want to Know More About Food Safety?

If you’d like to know more about food safety, like Want Your Cinnamon Unleaded? Avoid These Brands!, check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)