FDA Alert on Cinnamon Powders Sparks Immediate Product Recalls

November 23, 2024

The FDA has issued a warning about lead contamination in cinnamon powders, leading to a series of product recalls that could impact unsuspecting consumers.

At a Glance

IHA Beverage of California recalls “Super Dried Cinnamon Powder 4oz” for lead contamination.
Lead exposure poses serious health risks, particularly to children.
The FDA is continuing to monitor and recall products with elevated lead levels.
Consumers are advised to return or discard implicated products.

FDA’s Ongoing Lead Contamination Concerns

IHA Beverage of Commerce, California, has initiated a recall of its “Super Dried Cinnamon Powder 4oz” due to potential lead contamination. The product was primarily sold in California retail stores, although some distribution occurred in other states. This action follows routine testing by the Arkansas Department of Health which uncovered elevated lead levels in these cinnamon products.

The recall’s significance underlines the health dangers posed by lead, particularly to young children. Exposure can result in permanent damage to the central nervous system and impaired cognitive development. The FDA urges parents to consult pediatric healthcare providers if they suspect exposure.

We recommended recalls of certain cinnamon products because prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe. This video goes over what to know about lead in certain ground cinnamon. https://t.co/M33Bj2Yh5q pic.twitter.com/3zI1bO8AdZ

— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) March 8, 2024

Further Brands and Products Affected

The FDA’s warnings extend beyond IHA Beverage. Other brands, including La Fiesta Food Products and Raja Foods LLC, have seen product recalls for similar reasons. Lead concentrations in these products have ranged from 2.12 to 3.4 ppm. The FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative aims to reduce lead exposure in children through comprehensive monitoring programs.

“Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. If parents believe their children have been exposed to lead, they should talk to their child’s healthcare provider. They may need to get a blood lead test” – agency

The FDA is working closely with states to test cinnamon imports, ensuring that unsafe products do not reach consumers. Voluntary safety testing by suppliers is advised to minimize further risks.

Illinois company recalls ground cinnamon over lead contamination concerns. https://t.co/fai6Gam79X

— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) August 31, 2024

FDA Initiatives and Consumer Actions

Consumers are advised to maintain varied diets to reduce exposure to contaminants like lead. For those possessing affected cinnamon products, the FDA suggests returning them for a refund or discarding them safely. The agency will continue efforts to eliminate unsafe products from the market and verify safety at import points.

“The FDA will continue to work with manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to remove unsafe products from the market, and to further investigate the sources of the lead contamination as appropriate.” – FDA

The FDA reminds manufacturers of their accountability in preventing chemical contamination in food products, a concern especially relevant with recent cinnamon-related incidents.