Federal health officials are once again urging people to check their spice racks and cupboards for certain cinnamon products after tests found lead in several additional brands.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), short-term exposure to very low levels of lead may not cause symptoms, but long-term exposure to the metal can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, leading to learning disabilities and other developmental defects in children. Chronic exposure to lead is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension and neurocognitive effects in adults, the agency noted.
American Spices of Ozone Park, New York, is recalling Spice Class brand ground cinnamon distributed to New York City area retailers between Dec. 1, 2023, and May 15, 2024, according to a recall notice issued Monday by the FDA.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Packaged in 7- and 12-ounce plastic jars with an expiration date of Dec. 12, 2026, the recall follows an analysis by New York state authorities that found high levels of lead in the product.
Consumers should immediately stop using the cinnamon and return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund. For questions, call 1-917-532-6768.
Additionally, Advance Food International of Maspeth, New York, is recalling Shahzada brand cinnamon powder in 7-ounce packages because it may also be contaminated with high levels of lead.
The recalled cinnamon powder was distributed to retailers in four states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York between Jan. 1, 2024, and May 24, 2024, according to a notice issued Monday by the FDA.
Individuals with questions may call the company at: 1-718-482-0123.
The recalls follow another recall Friday by ALB-USA Enterprises of the Bronx, New York, involving ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder for the same reason, an FDA notice said.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Distributed to retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York between December 15, 2022 and May 13, 2024, the recalled cinnamon powder is packaged in a plastic bag with a net weight of 100 grams.
The product contained a use-by date of August 30, 2025. People with questions can call 1-917-922-5627 or 1-929-431-8505.
The FDA issued a public health alert Thursday regarding El Servidor brand ground cinnamon, based in Elmhurst, New York, sold by Mannan Supermarket, because the product also contained high levels of lead.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The agency recommended that the distributor voluntarily recall the product, the FDA said.
In March, the FDA issued a public health alert urging consumers not to purchase half a dozen ground cinnamon products because they were found to contain high levels of lead.
The warning follows a nationwide recall of lead-contaminated applesauce, which has been linked to 519 reported poisonings, mostly involving young children.
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