Another product has been added to a nationwide recall of ground cinnamon over concerns that the popular kitchen spice may contain lead, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned.
The latest announcement is an extension of an initial health alert that was issued in July. A total of 11 products have now been included in the recall.
Super Brand cinnamon, sold at the Asian Supermarket in Little Rock, Arizona, and distributed by IHA Beverage in California, is the latest product to join the list after sampling by the Arkansas Department of Health identified "elevated" levels of lead.
The FDA warned that exposure to these concentrations may be "unsafe," particularly for babies and young children.
"The FDA is advising consumers to throw away and not to buy these ground cinnamon products," the agency said in a statement.
The table below shows the full list of products that have been included in this recall:
Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal that can replace the calcium in our bones and teeth and can be stored in our bodies for decades after initial exposure. Over time, this heavy metal can accumulate and may be released back into our blood.
It has been associated with a range of neurological and cardiovascular conditions, as well as problems with our kidneys, blood, immune system and reproductive health.
"Short-term exposure to elevated lead could result in the following symptoms: headache; abdominal pain/colic; vomiting; anemia," the FDA said. "Longer term exposure to elevated lead could result in the following additional symptoms: irritability; lethargy; fatigue; muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning; constipation; difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness; tremor; weight loss."
The severity of these effects will vary depending on the concentration, frequency and length of exposure. It also depends on the age of the consumer.
"The very young are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects from lead exposure because of their smaller body sizes and rapid metabolism and growth," the FDA said. "High levels of exposure to lead in utero, infancy and early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties and lowered IQ."
Luckily, no illnesses or adverse events have been reported to the FDA in association with these products to date. The agency will continue to analyze cinnamon samples across the country.
As for consumers, the FDA recommends taking the following actions:
- Stop using and dispose of any of the ground cinnamon products in the table above.
- Check your food cupboards to see if you have any of these products—they have a long shelf life.
- Talk to your healthcare provide if you or your family develop symptoms or have consumed these products.
To protect yourself from the negative effects of lead exposure, the FDA emphasizes the importance of a healthy, varied diet.
"Eating a variety of healthy foods can make it less likely for an individual to be exposed to the same contaminant from the same food many times and helps to provide the range of nutrients needed for health and, for children, healthy development," the agency said. "Having adequate nutrients stored in the body also can help to prevent lead from having harmful effects."
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