The US Food and Drug Administration has recalled several brands of ground Cinnamon across several states after updating a public health alert due to the presence of high levels of lead.

According to experts, lead exposure can lead to various health issues, including high blood pressure, brain, kidney, and reproductive health issues, headaches, stomach cramps, constipation, muscle and joint pain in adults, and damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, hearing and speech problems in children.

The federal health agency said they have added nine brands to its alert after testing found lead concentration levels ranging between 2.03 and 7.01 parts per million (ppm). Even though there are no prescribed safe levels of lead exposure, the FDA now advises manufacturers to dispose of dry baby food products that contain a lead concentration level over 0.02 ppm.

These products were sold in stores located in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, New York, and Virginia.

According to news reports, the FDA recommended the companies listed in the alert issue a voluntary recall of the products. So far, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, and Spice Class have been recalled.

On Thursday (August 01), the FDA issued a public health alert for Elmhurst, New York-based El Servidor brand ground cinnamon sold by Mannan Supermarket because the product was also found to contain elevated levels of lead.

The agency has also advised consumers to stop using and throw away ground cinnamon products and seek medical care if they suspect someone has been exposed to high levels of lead. However, till now no illnesses have been reported in connection with these products.

A few symptoms of lead poisoning in adults include:

• Recurrent high blood pressure
• Joint and muscle pain
• Difficulties with memory or concentration
• Severe headache
• Abdominal pain
• Mood changes and disorders
• Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm
• Miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth in pregnant women

The first alert was issued last year

The recall expands on an earlier one that was announced in March last year and adds to a growing tally of spice makers pulling their products from the market. "These levels are significantly lower than the levels of lead associated with the WanaBana cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products recalled in the fall of 2023, which had between 2,270 ppm to 5,110 ppm lead in the cinnamon," the agency noted.

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