A number of best-selling cinnamon products have been found to contain high levels of lead.
No illnesses have been reported yet, but several brands have been issued with a recall, and consumers have been warned not to ingest the products.
Lead Poisoning Danger to Children
Lead poisoning can affect people of any age and health, but may be of particular danger to children.
Children may not show obvious symptoms straight away, so could be in even more danger of long-term effects such as fatigue, muscle aches, muscle prickling or constipation.
Recent Food Recalls
The cinnamon recalls are the latest in a number of recalls this year of contaminated food products, including 2 already for cinnamon brands.
Earlier this year, an investigation was carried out into applesauce pouch brands, including WanaBana, Weis and Schnucks brands, that ultimately led to their recall.
Wider Cinnamon Investigation
The applesauce investigation was sparked by the discovery of elevated levels of lead in childrens’ blood.
It has also been the impetus for a wider investigation into lead contamination in other cinnamon products.
Dollar Tree Inc. Has Been Warned Already
The latest recalls come following a June 2024 warning to Dollar Tree Inc. by the FDA.
The FDA sent the warning due to the company’s failure to remove the WanaBana pouches to an adequate timescale.
Latest Recall Also Affects Dollar Tree Inc.
The latest recall also concerns cinnamon products found in store brands owned by Dollar Tree Inc.
A variety of cinnamon products sold in store were found to contain potentially dangerous amounts of lead contamination.
Other Stores Affected
Dollar Tree stores were not the only discount store found to contain the offending products on their shelves.
Other stores to bear in mind are Dollar Tree Inc’s other store, Family Dollar, and Save A Lot. All these stores get their cinnamon supplies from Colonna Brothers, who issued a recall.
Cinnamon Products To Look Out For
The cinnamon products that should be removed from household spice racks include Supreme Tradition, Shahzada, and La Frontera.
Dollar Tree Inc. claimed, to CNET in March following the earlier cinnamon recall, that they have “removed all Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon from Dollar Tree and Family Dollar store shelves nationwide.”
Customer Choice
Customers have been offered a couple of choices if they find that they have inadvertently purchased the offending products.
A Dollar Tree Inc. spokesperson says that they can either discard the product immediately, or return it to the store for a refund.
FDA Lists
The list of recalled products, along with other investigations, can be found on the FDA website, which American consumers should be checking regularly to be food-conscious.
Aside from the 3 warnings regarding ground cinnamon, it may also be worth checking cupboards for any of the applesauce brands that initially sparked the cinnamon recall waves.
