FDA issues lead poisoning warning for ground cinnamon sold in New York

Risks of lead contamination from cinnamon from El Servidor

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets first issued warnings on El Servidor ground cinnamon, sold primarily at Mannan Supermarket Inc. in New York, after tests revealed elevated lead levels of 20 parts per million.

In addition to the warning, the FDA recommended that the retailer voluntarily recall the contaminated cinnamon and committed to updating the safety notice if the retailer agrees to the recall.

FDA officials said the recall of El Servidor cinnamon is related to a larger lead contamination alert issued March 6 for other ground cinnamon products. FDA product testing has found lead contamination in six other cinnamon products, including La Fiesta, Moran Foods, MTCI, Raja Foods, Greenbriar International and El Chilar brands.

The safety alert warned consumers not to eat, use or serve the contaminated El Servidor cinnamon. The product has a long shelf life, so the FDA is advising consumers not only to avoid purchasing the contaminated cinnamon, but also to check their homes and throw away any affected products.

Effects of lead poisoning on health

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause permanent brain damage or other serious, long-term health consequences, especially in children who are still developing and often do not show immediate signs or symptoms of lead exposure. Even short-term lead exposure can cause symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia. Long-term exposure can cause irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, difficulty concentrating, tremors, and weight loss.

Previous studies have linked childhood lead exposure to changes in the structural integrity of the brain, which can lead to cognitive problems and lower IQ scores later in life. Children can suffer long-term brain damage from even low levels of lead exposure.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Any exposure can increase the risk of nerve and brain damage. Lead can also cause seizures, convulsions, mental retardation, growth retardation, obesity, coma, and even death.

Federal health officials warned that anyone exposed to lead should contact their doctor or seek medical attention. Consumers who experience side effects from lead poisoning should report symptoms to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting System.