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FDA Discovers Dangerous Levels Of Lead In Popular Brand

Health officials have issued a warning about a cinnamon product sold in the U.S. that has been found to contain high levels of lead.

On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a health alert regarding a ground cinnamon product branded as El Servidor. This product is now among a growing number of cinnamon items identified with elevated lead levels.

Testing revealed that this cinnamon contains lead at a concentration of 20 parts per million. While the FDA does not set specific limits for lead in spices, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization recommends a maximum of 2.5 parts per million for lead in spices like cinnamon, according to NBC News.

The FDA has requested that the distributor recall this product. Lead contamination in food products has been an increasing concern; in March, the FDA issued a similar warning about lead in fruit puree products from Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and other retailers, with lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million.

The affected cinnamon was sold at a New York City supermarket, but it is not clear if it was distributed elsewhere.

Leigh Frame, director of integrative medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, expressed concern about the recall. “We tend to assume that products are safe until proven otherwise,” Frame told NBC News. “It often takes people getting sick before these recalls happen, which can be too late for those who have already consumed the products.”

Frame also highlighted the broader issue of food safety, noting the lack of resources for thorough testing.

Although no illnesses have been reported related to this specific alert, the FDA advises consumers to dispose of the affected product immediately. Elevated lead levels can be particularly harmful to young children, who are more susceptible to lead’s toxic effects due to their smaller size and ongoing development. High lead exposure can lead to learning disabilities and reduced IQ in children. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia, while long-term exposure can lead to irritability, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, difficulty concentrating, tremors, and weight loss.

Frame suggests reducing exposure to contaminated products, especially for children. “If you regularly consume cinnamon oatmeal, consider switching to a different brand until we have more information,” she recommended.