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.
Brain Damage: Lead’s Silent Attack on Cognition
Lead exposure can cause irreversible damage to the brain. It affects neurotransmitter release, disrupting normal brain function.
Children are particularly vulnerable, with IQ losses of up to 7 points per 10 μg/dL increase in blood lead levels. The CDC now recognizes that no level of lead in blood is safe for children.
Developmental Delays: Lead Stunts Children’s Growth
Lead exposure can severely impact a child’s development. It can cause delays in physical and mental development, affecting learning abilities.
Studies show that for every 10 μg/dL increase in blood lead, height decreases by 1 cm. In the 1970s, 88% of US children had blood lead levels above 10 μg/dL; today, it’s less than 1%.
Kidney Damage: Lead’s Toxic Effect on Filtration
Lead accumulates in the kidneys, causing damage over time. It can lead to chronic kidney disease and hypertension.
Studies show a 10 μg/dL increase in blood lead is associated with a 10.4 mL/min decrease in kidney filtration rate. The EPA estimates that 20% of total lead exposure comes through drinking water.
Reproductive Issues: Lead’s Impact on Fertility
Lead exposure can cause reproductive problems in both men and women. It can lead to reduced fertility, miscarriages, and stillbirths.
Studies show that blood lead levels above 5 μg/dL can reduce sperm count by 49%. The WHO estimates that lead exposure accounts for 143,000 deaths per year globally.
Anemia: Lead Interferes with Blood Production
Lead inhibits the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin. This can result in anemia, causing fatigue and weakness.
Studies show that a doubling of blood lead levels is associated with a 55% increase in cardiovascular mortality. The phase-out of leaded gasoline in the US reduced mean blood lead levels by 78% between 1976 and 1991.
