The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced additional measures to address concerns regarding elevated lead levels in cinnamon products. This follows a recent incident involving certain cinnamon apple sauce pouches that led to lead poisoning in young children.

FDA Communication and Voluntary Recall

The FDA has issued a letter to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators in the U.S., reminding them of the need to implement controls to prevent contamination in food, including ground cinnamon products. Additionally, the agency recommends the voluntary recall of specific ground cinnamon products sold by various brands at six different retail chains due to elevated lead levels.

Product Identification and Consumer Advisory

During an FDA-initiated sampling and testing effort across multiple retail stores, products with elevated lead levels were identified. While no illnesses or adverse events have been reported to date, the FDA advises consumers not to buy or to dispose of ground cinnamon products with specified lot codes found on the product labels. Efforts are underway to recall these products, except for those from MTCI, as the FDA has been unable to reach the company for a recall.

List of Affected Products

Comparison with Previous Incident

The lead levels detected in the affected ground cinnamon products are notably lower than those found in the recalled apple sauce pouches from a previous incident. While the ground cinnamon products pose a lower risk compared to the apple sauce pouches, prolonged use could still be unsafe.

Statement from FDA

Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, Jim Jones, emphasized the need for collective responsibility among food growers, manufacturers, importers, and retailers to ensure food safety. He highlighted that while the lead levels in some ground cinnamon products are too high, steps must be taken to safeguard vulnerable populations from the health risks associated with elevated lead exposure.

Highlights

The FDA has issued a letter to all cinnamon industry stakeholders and recommends the voluntary recall of specific ground cinnamon products due to elevated lead levels. Consumers are advised not to purchase or to dispose of products with specified lot codes. Despite lower lead levels compared to a previous incident, prolonged use of these ground cinnamon products could pose health risks.