In a recent announcement, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised concerns over the presence of lead in various ground cinnamon products across the United States.
This alarming revelation comes as the FDA continues its efforts to ensure consumer safety in the food supply chain.
Dollar Tree Swiftly Removes Contaminated Cinnamon Nationwide
The identified cinnamon products found to be contaminated with lead include popular brands such as La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and Eli Chilar. These products are distributed by well-known retailers like La Superior SuperMercados, Save A Lot, SF Supermarket, Patel Brothers, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar.
Upon discovery, Dollar Tree has taken immediate action by removing all Supreme Tradition ground cinnamon products from its stores nationwide.
A spokesperson for Dollar Tree emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “We take this situation very seriously.” However, NBC News has reached out to other retailers for their comments on the matter.
The FDA advises consumers to refrain from consuming, selling, or serving these contaminated ground cinnamon products and to dispose of them immediately. Despite their long shelf life, these products pose a risk due to elevated lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, as detected by FDA analysis.
While the FDA has not established specific lead limits for spices, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization recommends a safety standard of 2.5 parts per million for spices containing cinnamon.
Lead exposure can have severe health implications, particularly for children, including learning and behavior problems, lower IQ, and damage to the brain and nervous system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn of additional complications such as hearing and speech issues.
This safety warning follows a recent recall of lead-contaminated cinnamon applesauce pouches produced by WanaBana USA, which led to numerous reported cases of lead poisoning across 44 states, primarily affecting young children.
Read more: Get Fit Anywhere: The Top 5 Home Workout Programs For Your Fitness Journey
FDA Investigates Cinnamon Contamination
Cinnamon was identified as the likely source of contamination in the applesauce pouches, prompting the FDA to conduct further investigations into ground cinnamon products.
It remains uncertain whether the contaminated products share the same supplier as the recalled applesauce pouches. Laurie Beyranevand, director of the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law and Graduate School, suggests that due to the complexities of the food supply chain, contaminated cinnamon could have infiltrated various products.
Brian Ronholm, director of food policy for Consumer Reports, expresses concern over the pervasiveness of the issue, labeling the FDA’s warning as “alarming.” This development underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures and heightened vigilance within the food industry to safeguard consumer health and well-being.
As the investigation continues, consumers are urged to remain vigilant and heed the FDA’s safety recommendations regarding lead-contaminated cinnamon products. It is imperative for both regulatory authorities and food manufacturers to collaborate effectively to prevent such incidents and uphold the integrity of the food supply chain.
Read more: Artificially Sweetened Beverages Linked To Increased Risk Of Atrial Fibrillation
