According to federal health officials, ground cinnamon sold at U.S. discount retailers has significant amounts of lead and should be disposed of.

The FDA informed that cinnamon sold at certain stores, such as the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, contains amounts of lead that may pose a safety risk, especially for individuals, especially children, who are regularly exposed to the spice. The FDA recommends that suppliers voluntarily recall these products.

The safety alert issued by the agency lists various cinnamon products, such as La Fiesta brand from La Superior and SuperMercados; Marcum brand from Save A Lot; MK brands from SF Supermarket; Swad brand from Patel Brothers; El Chilar brand from La Joya Morelense; and Supreme Tradition brand from Dollar Tree and Family Dollar.

The alert stated that by removing ground cinnamon products from the market, it will prevent these products from adding excessive levels of lead to children’s diets.

According to the agency, individuals should refrain from purchasing the items and dispose of any containers they possess at home.

The spokesperson for Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores has stated that they have taken cinnamon off their shelves. Customers can bring their purchases to a nearby store to receive a refund.

The FDA initiated a “specific survey” of cinnamon products available in discounted stores following a recall in October 2023 of lead-contaminated cinnamon applesauce pouches that caused illness in approximately 500 American children.

According to the notice on Wednesday, the ground cinnamon products had lead concentrations ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million, significantly lower than the puree pouches which had much higher levels of lead, ranging from 2,270 to 5,110 parts per million.

The FDA stated that no sickness or related health problems have been documented in relation to the recently issued ground cinnamon warning.

There is no amount of lead exposure that is considered safe for humans. Prolonged exposure to lead can lead to various issues, particularly in developing children, such as learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and decreased IQ.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the amount of lead in food, however, the United States (U.S.) government does not have a widespread restriction on lead in food items. The FDA recently issued a letter to all U.S. cinnamon producers, processors, distributors, and facility managers, reminding them of the legal requirement to prevent chemical hazards, such as lead contamination, in food products, including spices.

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