Cinnamon Powder Recalled Due to High Levels of Lead

An image of the recalled product packaged in a 4oz plastic bag. Courtesy of the FDA

California-based IHA Beverage of Commerce is voluntarily withdrawing a cinnamon product from the market amid concerns the item could potentially be contaminated with excessive amounts of lead.

“The recalled product is packaged in a 4oz plastic bag, and labeled as Super Dried Cinnamon Powder 4oz,” said the Nov. 18 recall announcement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The items have a UPC code of 610232012476 and display “Vitamin A” and “Vitamin C” on the nutrition labels. Some of the items were found containing “elevated levels of lead” during routine testing conducted by the Arkansas Department of Health, which led to the recall.

The company said they were investigating the issue. Most products were sold through retail stores in California, with a few sold via outlets in other states across the United States. No items were sold online. IHA Beverage has stopped distributing the products.

Since short-term exposure to low lead levels may not trigger any symptoms, high blood lead levels could be the only sign of exposure, the announcement said. Lead’s effect on the body depends on factors like the duration of exposure and age of the exposed individual.

“If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems,” said the notice.

Among adults, chronic exposure is linked to hypertension, dysfunction of the kidneys, and neurocognitive effects.

The announcement pointed out that no illnesses linked to product exposure have been reported as of Nov. 18. It asked customers who have bought the items to return them back to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard them. Those who have questions may contact IHA Beverage at 323-724-8551.

This is the latest cinnamon product that has been recalled because of lead contamination concerns. Back in July, the FDA issued a public health alert about the issue. A total of 11 manufacturers have pulled out cinnamon items from the market so far.

The agency advised people who have already consumed the items and suspect a high level of lead in the body to consult a health care provider.

Risk to Children

In October last year, certain cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products were recalled because of high lead levels. The problems were traced back to the cinnamon used in these items.

Following the incident, the FDA initiated a survey of ground cinnamon products being sold at retail stores, analyzing them for lead and chromium.

In March, the agency sent letters to six cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators in the United States, asking them to recall their products as “prolonged exposure may be unsafe.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), protecting children from lead exposure is “important to lifelong good health” since even low levels of lead in the blood can have negative effects on their health.

Some of the well-documented adverse effects of lead exposure among children include damage to the brain and nervous system, hearing and speech issues, slowed growth, and learning and behavioral problems. As a result, children may end up having lower IQ, lower ability to pay attention, and could underperform in school.

“Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. If parents believe their children have been exposed to lead, they should talk to their child’s healthcare provider. They may need to get a blood lead test,” the agency said.

The CDC points out that no safe blood lead level has been identified for children. The agency uses a blood lead reference value (BLRV) of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, which it claims will help identify children with high lead levels. Roughly half a million children in the United States are estimated to have blood lead levels at or above BLRV.

Lead has been found in candies as well since certain ingredients, such as chili powder and tamarind, might be contaminated, according to the CDC.

“Lead can get into the candy when drying, storing, and grinding the ingredients are done improperly. Ink from plastic or paper candy wrappers may also contain lead that leaches or seeps into the imported candy.” In addition to food items, cosmetics, and medical products can also contain lead.