More cinnamon added to public alert because of elevated levels of lead
The FDA is updating its alert regarding high lead levels in cinnamon to include DEVI brand and BaiLiFeng brand ground cinnamon.
So far, 18 brands of cinnamon have dangerous levels of lead. For a list and photos of the products, click here. The original Food and Drug Administration alert was issued on March 6, 2024.
Cinnamon has a long shelf life and consumers often continue to use it past expiration dates. Consumers are urged to check their homes for cinnamon on the alert list and discard products on the list.
The FDA recommended that companies on the alert list voluntarily recall these products, but no recalls have been issued. The FDA will update its notice with communications from companies that voluntarily agree to recall as we receive them.
If it is suspected that a person has been exposed to high levels of lead, they should speak to their doctor. Most people have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure, but it can cause significant health problems if exposure continues for months.
Long-term exposure – months or even years – to high levels of lead in the diet can contribute to adverse health effects, particularly for that portion of the population who may already have high levels of lead in the blood due to other lead exposures.
The risk of adverse health effects from consuming lead-contaminated foods varies depending on the concentration of lead in the food; age of the consumer; the duration, quantity and frequency of exposure to lead in food; and other exposures to different sources of lead.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects of lead exposure due to their small size, rapid metabolism, and growth. High levels of lead exposure in utero, infancy and early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties and lowered IQ.
The FDA continues to analyze cinnamon and review the results of samples received from partner states that continually sample ground cinnamon at retail for elevated lead levels.
Additional Information
- March 6, 2024, FDA alert regarding certain cinnamon products due to the presence of high levels of lead
- July 25, 2024, FDA Public Health Alert for Additional Ground Cinnamon Product Due to High Lead Levels
- Post-incident response activities: elevated lead and chromium levels in cinnamon applesauce packets
- Lead in food and food articles | FDA
- Health Effects of Lead Exposure | CDC
- Help protect children from environmental contaminants: healthy food choices for your baby aged 6 to 12 months | FDA
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