Debosmita Ghosh • 27 Jul 2024
FDA Issues Alert On Lead Contamination In Ground Cinnamon; Symptoms And Complications Of Lead Poisoning
FDA Issues Alert On Lead Contamination In Ground Cinnamon
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a new alert said that it has identified an additional cinnamon product sold in the U.S. that has been contaminated with lead, according to a report in NBC News. The ground cinnamon which is sold as El Servidor and distributed by an Elmhurst, New York, company of the same name.
After testing, the cinnamon was found to have high levels of lead at 20 parts per million. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the international safety standard of lead for bark spices like cinnamon is 2.5 parts per million. However, there is no limit for lead levels in spices set by the FDA. The US agency has asked the distributor to voluntarily recall the product.
The FDA, in March, warned about lead in cinnamon sold at Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and other stores. Those products had levels of lead ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million.
The cinnamon that has been identified in the new alert was sold at a supermarket in New York City, however, it is unclear whether it was distributed more widely.
What is lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning happens when there is build-up of lead in the body. This usually happens over several months or years. Even small amounts of lead can lead to serious health issues. Mayo Clinic says that children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. “There is treatment for lead poisoning, but taking some simple precautions can help protect you and your family from lead exposure before harm is done.”
Symptoms of lead poisoning
The symptoms of the condition can be different for individuals depending on their age.
Here, take a look at the symptoms of lead poisoning in children, according to experts.
- Developmental delay
- Learning difficulties
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sluggishness and fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Eating things, such as paint chips, that aren't food (pica).
Here, take a look at the symptoms of lead poisoning in newborns, according to experts.
- Be born prematurely
- Have lower birth weight
- Have slowed growth.
Here, take a look at the symptoms of lead poisoning in adults, according to experts.
- High blood pressure
- Joint and muscle pain
- Difficulties with memory or concentration
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Mood disorders
- Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm
- Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women.
Complications of lead poisoning
Lead poisoning can cause severe health complications, especially in children and pregnant women.
In children, it can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, irritability, weight loss and hearing problems. Chronic exposure to lead can also lead to severe health issues such as reduced IQ, attention deficit disorders, and behavioural problems.
In adults, lead poisoning can cause hypertension, joint and muscle pain, memory or concentration problems and headaches.
In severe cases, it can result in abdominal pain, mood disorders and reduced sperm count or abnormal sperm in men. Pregnant women exposed to lead risk miscarriage, premature birth and developmental issues in their unborn children.
Long-term exposure can also lead to kidney damage and impaired neurological function.