FDA Recalls Multiple Cinnamon Brands for Lead Contamination

According to a KSAT News report, the FDA issued a major recall of multiple cinnamon brands sold at discount stores across the Nation for lead contamination.

Half a dozen brands of ground cinnamon sold at discount stores across the United States have been recalled after testing for elevated levels of lead. Only one affects the San Antonio area: Supreme Tradition ground cinnamon sold at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores. If you have this product, you may return it to the store or throw it away. You can find lot codes and more information in this FDA report.

The FDA reported that this recall came as part of their increased awareness of lead contamination in cinnamon — no illnesses have been reported. Additionally, the FDA made it clear that the companies who produced these products did not violate any laws or protocols for heavy metal testing and voluntarily participated in the recall.

Did You Know?

Lead poisoning is dangerous for adults and children, though children are more at risk.

Lead Poisoning and Cinnamon — What You Need to Know.

Yet another major recall involving cinnamon has concerned parents wondering if they should stop eating cinnamon or stop buying products with cinnamon for their children.

Last year, a major recall affecting over 100 children sparked an FDA investigation into the cause of the extremely high levels of lead in fruit pouches for children sold nationwide. Let’s take a look at how lead gets into spices like cinnamon and when you should test your child for lead poisoning.

How Does Lead Get Into Cinnamon?

Many of the spices we enjoy in the United States are grown in and imported from other countries, and a small portion of those imports are tested by the FDA to ensure safety. So, while you should be aware of any recalls, you don’t have to cut cinnamon out of your diet entirely.

There are natural ways that lead can be unintentionally added to cinnamon, such as:

• Contaminated Soil — Nearby roads, volcanic ash, and industrial activity can contaminate the soil in which cinnamon trees are grown with lead.
• Manufacturing Process — Equipment and materials tainted with lead can contaminate cinnamon during the manufacturing process.

Lead can also be intentionally added to cinnamon to increase the weight of the product, making it more valuable.

When Should I Test My Child for Lead Poisoning?

There is no amount of lead that is safe for children.

You should get your child tested for lead poisoning if:

• You live in a low-income household,
• You live in a house built in or before 1978,
• You live or spend time with someone who works with lead or has hobbies that expose them to lead
• Your child has eaten contaminated products,
• Or your child is displaying symptoms of lead poisoning.

Call your doctor to find out where your child can be tested in your local area.

Was Your Child Exposed to Lead Due to an Unsafe Product? Call Carabin Shaw.

Lead poisoning is no joke.

The products sold to American consumers must meet safety standards. When they don’t, and your child is made extremely ill as a result, the responsible party should be held accountable.

Carabin Shaw has represented those injured by unsafe products across Texas for over 30 years. We’re a trusted name because we put our clients first. Call our firm for a free case evaluation at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to get started. We look forward to serving you.

Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.

¹KSAT Report