Multiple brands of ground cinnamon have been added to an FDA recall list after elevated levels of lead were found.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Oct. 10 that HAETAE and Roshni brands of ground cinnamon tested positive for levels of lead unsafe for human consumption. On Oct. 8, Durra and Wise Wife ground cinnamon were added to the list.
Since August 2024, 16 brands of cinnamon have been recalled or put on a warning list.
Which brands of cinnamon may be unsafe?
“The FDA has recommended that the firms voluntarily recall these products, with the exception of the HAETAE-brand cinnamon,” the FDA said in an alert Friday, Oct. 10. “The FDA has been unable to reach Haitai Inc. USA to share our findings and recommend that the company initiate a recall.”
The FDA recommends that anyone who purchased one of the ground cinnamon products to discard them. Consumers are also advised to avoid purchasing the ground cinnamon products.
“Short-term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms,” said the FDA. Increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure; however, additional signs and symptoms are “more likely with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead.”
Lead can affect all parts of the body, but its impact depends on the amount and duration of exposure, as well as the consumer’s age and body weight.
What are lead poisoning symptoms in children?
In children, prolonged exposure to lead for weeks or months can cause permanent damage to their nervous system and some of the following symptoms:
Lead poisoning symptoms in adults
Prolonged lead exposure in adults can lead to blood and kidney disorders, hypertension and effects to cognitive function, as well as the following symptons:
The FDA says anyone who may have purchased any of the ground cinnamon brands on the list should return it to the place they purchased it for a full refund. For a list of lot numbers affected, visit the FDA website.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Multiple brands of ground cinnamon products recalled for traces of lead
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
