Check your spice rack: Cinnamon recalled in California due to possible lead contamination
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is recalling a classic holiday spice made by one manufacturer due to possible contamination.
The FDA on Tuesday recalled Lucky Foods brand cinnamon powder after an analysis conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets found excessive levels of lead.
It is unclear how the product became contaminated. Lead may be present in food due to the environment in which the food is grown or processed.
The FDA said the distributor, TBC Distribution Corp. of Brooklyn, New York, has stopped working with the supplier.
There have been no reports of illness related to contaminated cinnamon.
Recalled product details
Lucky Foods cinnamon powder is packaged in vacuum or modified atmosphere bags, which is a way to extend shelf life.
Each packet contains 40 grams of cinnamon.
FDA did not provide UPC codes for the affected products.
Product sales location
Lucky Foods’ cinnamon powder was distributed between April 11 and September 1 to grocery stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, delis, bakeries and restaurants in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas.
Side effects of lead exposure
Adverse effects depend on the amount of lead in the food, the age of the consumer and the frequency of exposure.
According to the FDA, short-term or very low-level exposure may not cause any symptoms other than elevated lead levels in blood tests.
If a child is exposed to enough lead over a long period of time (weeks to months), permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur. The FDA says this can lead to learning disabilities, developmental defects and other long-term health problems.
In adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with renal dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.
what you should do
The FDA did not provide specific instructions for the recalled cinnamon, but the agency’s general guidance is to return recalled products to the place of purchase for a refund or throw them away.
If contaminated food comes into contact with the refrigerator or countertops, the FDA recommends cleaning and disinfecting those areas and then washing hands with soap and warm water.
Need to bake with cinnamon? Try these brands
Last year, Consumer Reports tested 36 cinnamon products and spice blends containing cinnamon and recommended these brands as safe:
- 365 Whole Foods Market Cinnamon Powder
- 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Cinnamon
- loisa organic cinnamon
- Morton & Bassett San Francisco Organic Cinnamon Powder
- sadaf cinnamon powder
- Sadaf Seven Spice Blend
