High Levels Of Lead Found In Multiple Cinnamon And Spice Blends

A recent study by Consumer Reports has found concerning levels of lead in one-third of tested ground cinnamon and cinnamon spice blends. The study comes nearly a year after a recall of millions of cinnamon applesauce pouches due to high lead levels alarmed consumers nationwide.

Out of the 36 products tested, 12 contained lead levels above one part per million (ppm). The highest levels of lead were detected in Paras cinnamon powder (3.52 ppm) and EGN cinnamon powder (2.91 ppm). A distributor for EGN has removed the product from stores , while Apna Wholesale, a former distributor of Paras cinnamon powder, has stopped importing any cinnamon powder.

Despite these findings, there are currently no federal guidelines for heavy metals in spices. The Food and Drug Administration has been posting public health alerts regarding cinnamon products that have greater than two parts per million of lead.

Laura Shumow , executive director of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA), stated that the U.S. spice industry is committed to ensuring spices remain safe. She also noted that the limit of 1 ppm used by Consumer Reports is lower than the levels being used by ASTA, FDA, the European Union, and other regulatory authorities.

Consumer Reports recommended that consumers throw away the 12 products that tested above 1 ppm . However, 18 products tested showed relatively low lead levels and were deemed "okay to use." Six brands with only trace amounts ranging from 0.02 ppm to 0.15 ppm were labeled as "best to use."

Consumer Reports warns that while the amount of lead in one serving of cinnamon at the levels detected wouldn't typically be of concern to human health, consistent exposure could pose a risk, especially for infants and young children.