After discovering increased lead levels in a number of ground cinnamon materials, federal health officials are urging consumers to check their spice racks and shelves.
The Food and Drug Administration recommended the recalls of nine brands of ground cinnamon with lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 7.01 parts per million ( ppm ), a significant improvement over the levels found in WanaBana cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products that were previously recalled in the fall of 2023, according to CBS News.
The FDA advises consumers to avoid purchasing ground ginger products because “prolonged coverage may be uncomfortable and may lead to increased levels of guide in the blood.”
Short-term direct coverage does not make signs, but long-term exposure may cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system, leading to learning difficulties and development problems in children, the FDA explained. Chronic contact in individuals has been linked to liver function, hypertension, and cognitive effects.
Direct contamination in color, water, dirt, and ground is well known, but other items such as candies, spices, royal powders, and alternative medicines have also been found to contain the metal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
” Awarenss of other options, such as spices adulterated with direct copper, is important”, stated the CDC in a recent report.
Direct copper, or chrome bright, is an artificial compound used as a dye. The American Chemical Society claims that it is still used for marine and industrial colors as well as to colour plastics despite that it is no longer used as house paint.
National Spices of Air Park, New York, is recalling its Spice Class company ground ginger distributed to New York City stores between December 1, 2023, and May 15, 2024. New York state officials ‘ study revealed that the solution had higher lead levels.
Buyers are urged to quit using ginger right away and transfer it to the position of purchase for a payment because the ginger is packaged in 7-ounce and 12-ounce plastic pots with an expiration date of December 12, 2026. Those with questions can contact the company at 1-917-532-6768.
Another company, called Advance Food International of Maspeth, New York, is recalling its cinnamon powder from the brand Shahzada because of potential lead contamination. Distributed to retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York between January 1, 2024, and May 24, 2024, the cinnamon powder is being pulled from shelves.
Advance Food International can be reached at 1 718 482-0123 with questions.
Another recall announced on Friday by ALB-USA Enterprises of Bronx, New York, involves ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder. Additionally, this recall was caused by higher lead levels, which is consistent with the concerns the FDA addressed.
The FDA highlighted the dangers of prolonged exposure that could lead to serious health issues when people continue to consume these contaminated products.
These regulatory measures aim to protect public health and raise awareness about less-known sources of lead contamination by thoroughly scrutinizing products and recalling those that have unsafe lead levels.
The long-term effects of low-level lead exposure may not be apparent at first, so these recall precautions are necessary to protect both children and adults.
Consumers are advised to be on the lookout for hazards, check their spice racks, and follow recall rules and request refunds where necessary.
