Cinnamon Products Recalled in 2024: Key Insights from Consumer Reports

Recent findings have raised significant concerns regarding lead levels in cinnamon products. Following a report from Consumer Reports, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued recalls in 2024 for multiple brands of cinnamon due to the presence of this toxic heavy metal, which poses various health risks.

The report, released by Consumer Reports, named 12 brands whose cinnamon and multi-spice powders contained concentrations of lead so high that consuming just a quarter teaspoon could exceed an individual’s daily safe consumption limit. This alarming revelation has prompted swift action from some brands, while others assert their compliance with safety standards.

Brands like Paras and EGN have announced plans to withdraw their cinnamon products from store shelves in light of the report. In contrast, some brands maintain that their products meet all regulatory requirements set forth by the FDA and other relevant agencies. For instance, Badia defended its cinnamon, stating, “Our lead test results show levels that are half of what the FDA considers concerning in its recent recalls related to cinnamon.” This claim was communicated to USA TODAY in an email, with Badia reassuring consumers of the safety of its products.

As of this year, Badia’s cinnamon powder has not been recalled by the FDA, but multiple other brands have faced serious scrutiny. Among the recalls executed in 2024, the FDA recently flagged Asli cinnamon powder on August 28 due to potential lead contamination.

The FDA advises that short-term exposure to even minimal lead levels may not show immediate symptoms, and heightened blood lead levels could be the only indication of such exposure.

Another distributor, Gutierrez, issued recalls for its El Servidor Corp and Gutierrez brand ground cinnamon after discovering elevated lead levels. The company conducted recalls on two separate occasions, August 23 and August 19.

In addition, El Chilar HF, LLC recalled its ground cinnamon products on August 13 over similar concerns regarding lead content. These developments reflect a growing trend of scrutiny surrounding spice products as consumer safety comes into sharper focus.

Consumer Reports identified the following unsafe cinnamon powders as part of its recent analysis:

• Paras cinnamon powder (3.52 ppm)
• EGN cinnamon powder (2.91 ppm)
• Mimi’s Products ground cinnamon (2.03 ppm)
• Bowl & Basket ground cinnamon (1.82 ppm)
• Rani Brand ground cinnamon (1.39 ppm)
• Zara Foods cinnamon powder (1.27 ppm)
• Three Rivers cinnamon stick powder (1.26 ppm)
• Yu Yee Brand five spice powder (1.25 ppm)
• BaiLiFeng five spice powder (1.15 ppm)
• Spicy King five spices powder (1.05 ppm)
• Badia cinnamon powder (1.03 ppm)
• Deep cinnamon powder (1.02 ppm)

In a positive turn, Consumer Reports also highlighted some brands that were determined to be safer alternatives, including McCormick cinnamon (0.23 ppm), Kirkland Signature organic Saigon cinnamon (0.80 ppm), Great Value ground cinnamon (0.79 ppm), and others that were found to have significantly lower lead levels, making them safer for consumer use.

For those who have purchased any of the recalled cinnamon products, the FDA recommends immediate cessation of use and proper disposal of the affected items. The agency has emphasized that consumers should not consume, sell, or serve the affected ground cinnamon products.

Vulnerable populations, including babies and young children, face a heightened risk of lead toxicity. Individuals who suspect they may have been exposed to elevated lead levels are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers, as symptoms may not present immediately following exposure.

As these reports underline potential health risks associated with cinnamon products, consumers are urged to stay informed and prioritize their health and safety.

Source: USA TODAY