In a troubling revelation, a recent study conducted by Consumer Reports has found that one dozen out of 36 cinnamon products tested exhibited elevated levels of lead. This report, released on Thursday, raises significant concerns about the presence of metals in food, echoing alarming incidents from the previous year when tainted cinnamon applesauce resulted in the poisoning of numerous children.
The Consumer Reports investigation highlighted that while the lead levels discovered in these cinnamon products were considerably lower than those found in the recalled applesauce, they still pose serious health risks. Specifically, the tests revealed lead levels in 12 products sold at discount stores and ethnic markets, with some reaching as high as 3.5 parts per million.
New York stands out as the only state with stringent lead standards in spices, enforcing strict recalls on products—including curry powder, chili powder, cumin, and five-spice powder—that exceed one part per million of lead. In light of the findings, Consumer Reports has recommended that consumers dispose of any cinnamon products containing this level of lead.
Among the brands tested, Badia was identified as a common supplier of cinnamon, with reported lead levels at one part per million. Unfortunately, the company has not yet responded to inquiries regarding these findings.
While the lead concentrations in the recalled cinnamon applesauce were described as “astronomical,” the levels reported in the recent study remain concerning, being 1,000 times higher than the thresholds considered safe by lead-exposure experts focused on children’s health. Tomás R. Guilarte, a professor specializing in neuroscience and environmental health at Florida International University, expressed serious concerns, stating, “These are extremely high levels of lead. Clearly, they shouldn’t be used.”
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated a series of recalls for various cinnamon products due to similar concerns. These discoveries have galvanized consumer advocacy groups, prompting them to raise public awareness about the risks associated with lead and other heavy metals in food. Moreover, this situation has spurred the FDA to urge Congress to establish stricter limits on the presence of these harmful substances in food products.
