Multiple discount stores in the United States recalled packages of ground cinnamon due to a warning from federal health authorities about potential contamination with excessive amounts of lead.

The U.S. FDA released a safety warning for six cinnamon brands, including ones found at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores.

The decision was made after extensive recalls last autumn of WanaBana and similar cinnamon applesauce pouches that were tied to nearly 500 cases of lead poisoning in children across 44 different states. The Food and Drug Administration analyzed samples of spices sold in stores to check for potential contamination in other products.

The recent recalls are prompting concerns regarding the safety of cinnamon, a commonly used spice in American households.

This is what you need to be aware of:

Marcum and Supreme Tradition ground cinnamon, sold at Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Save A Lot stores across the country, have been subject to recalls.

Additional recalls involve El Chilar brand cinnamon, which was purchased at La Joya Morelense in Baltimore, Maryland, and Swad cinnamon powder, which was sold at Patel Brothers locations throughout the United States.

According to the FDA, they have been unsuccessful in reaching out to MTCI, a company based in Santa Fe Springs, California. MTCI is the distributor of MK brand cinnamon, which is sold at SF Supermarkets in multiple states.

The FDA conducted tests on the recalled cinnamon and found levels of lead ranging from 2 ppm to 4 ppm. This is significantly lower than the ground cinnamon from Ecuador, which had levels of 2,000 ppm to 5,000 ppm and contaminated the applesauce pouches.

The FDA does not currently have a restriction for heavy metals found in spices. However, they do have a limit of 1 part per million for lead in candy typically consumed by young children.

The American Spice Trade Association, a group that represents the spice industry, recommends a maximum limit of 2 parts per million of lead in bark spices, including cinnamon.

The origin of the recalled cinnamon is unknown, according to FDA officials. Cinnamon is brought into the United States from various countries, such as India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and other regions in Southeast Asia.

The agency stated that there is no evidence linking the recalled cinnamon to the Ecuadorian supplier involved in the contaminated applesauce pouches.

According to Karen Everstine, technical director of FoodchainID, a company that monitors food supply chains, lead can be found in various foods, including spices, due to natural sources like soil and water.

Lead may be present in spices due to contamination from external sources in the environment, such as leaded gasoline or pollution. Additionally, the manufacture, storage, or transportation of spices may also contribute to lead levels in these products.

Occasionally, spices have been blended with ingredients, such as lead, in order to enhance their color or weight and make the product more valuable. According to officials from the FDA, it is possible that the applesauce pouches were deliberately tainted for the purpose of increasing their economic worth.

Health officials have advised to avoid using any amount of lead as it is considered unsafe. While spices are typically used in small quantities, prolonged exposure over weeks or months could still potentially cause harm.

Lead exposure in adults can result in serious, enduring issues such as elevated blood pressure, heart disease, and damage to the kidneys. When it comes to children, lead can have even more detrimental effects, potentially impacting their mental capacity, ability to learn, and behavior.

According to Everestine, determining the presence of lead or other harmful substances in spices on store shelves can be very challenging, if not impossible.

According to her, it is advisable for consumers to purchase spices from companies that openly state their tracking of sources as they have a personal stake in safeguarding their product brands.

It can be challenging, especially with the cost of groceries, including spices, staying high. However, this is one situation where it could be worth it.

She advised to question suspiciously low prices, as managing the supply chain incurs expenses. If one type of cinnamon is significantly cheaper than another, it begs the question: why?

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The Science and Health Department of The Associated Press is supported by the Science and Educational Media Group of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The AP holds full responsibility for all content.