FDA Issues Another Health Alert Over Cinnamon Products

The FDA has issued another public health alert concerning dangerous lead levels in popular cinnamon products, making it the third such warning this year.

At a Glance

The FDA warns against elevated lead levels in “Super Brand” cinnamon.
Consumers are advised to discard these products.
Previous alerts highlighted similar contamination issues.
Lead exposure poses significant health risks, especially to children.

FDA’s Third Alert on Lead in Cinnamon

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its third public health alert regarding lead contamination in cinnamon products. Concerns began in fall 2023 when certain WanaBana brand applesauce pouches were found with elevated lead levels, impacting over 250 children across 43 states. This prompted recalls from WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis of their cinnamon-related items. The original FDA alert was issued in July 2024. Now, Super Brand cinnamon has been singled out, adding to an expanding list of affected products.

The Arkansas Department of Health collaborated closely with the FDA in testing several cinnamon brands, revealing lead concentrations as high as 7.68 parts per million (ppm). Products from companies such as Asli, El Chilar, and La Frontera are now also among those affected. Lead exposure risks, particularly severe for young children, have spurred a national response.

Another ground cinnamon product, Super Brand, has been added to @US_FDA Public Health Alert due to presence of elevated levels of lead. Arkansas Department of Health @ADHPIO collected samples at a retail establishment, FDA reviewed.
For complete list: https://t.co/IkImKk7dyz pic.twitter.com/WAtgxMaCrg

— U.S. FDA Human Foods Program (@FDAfood) November 1, 2024

FDA’s Consumer Guidance and Safety Measures

The FDA advises consumers to dispose of and avoid purchasing the contaminated cinnamon products. Despite urging ingredient suppliers and final product manufacturers to voluntarily test for safety, consistent lead findings emphasize the critical need for vigilance. The FDA underscored manufacturers’ responsibilities to ensure safety commitments, issuing reminders for them to implement contamination controls.

The FDA remains diligent in working with state officials to test cinnamon products distributed directly to consumers. This cooperative effort seeks to curb future incidents by preventing tainted imports from reaching U.S. shelves.

Health Risks and FDA Initiatives

Lead exposure, notably detrimental for children, can lead to neurological disorders and decreased IQ. Adults exposed to lead might experience joint pain, high blood pressure, and mood disorders. The FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative strives to reduce children’s exposure to toxic elements in their diet, with a focus on maintaining long-term health bravely guiding these protean efforts.

Consumers are strongly advised to check the FDA’s website consistently for updates on lead exposures, seeking healthcare guidance if necessary. Retailers and distributors need to remain alert, ensuring that viable protection measures accompany their commerce.