A new study conducted by Consumer Reports found that one-third of tested ground cinnamon and cinnamon spice blends have concerning levels of lead in them. This comes nearly after a year when millions of cinnamon applesauce pouches were recalled due to high levels of lead in them, thereby causing lead poisoning in more than 500 kids.
According to a report in Washington Pose, experts say trace levels of the heavy metal can often be found in the spice, and all of the tested spices had detectable amounts of lead. However, 12 out of the 36 products contained levels of lead above at least one part per million (ppm). James Rogers, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports said, “I think, if we actually tested more, or tested over time, we might even have found more.”
These ground cinnamon and cinnamon-containing spice blends were purchased from 17 stores in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and online. The results found that 12 of 36 brands measured above 1 part per million of lead — the threshold that triggers a recall in New York, the only U.S. state to regulate heavy metals in spices, according to the advocacy group, said a report in CBS News.
Check the 12 brands of spice blends and cinnamon that had high levels of lead.
- Badia cinnamon powder
- BaiLiFeng five spice powder
- Bowl & Basket ground cinnamon
- Deep cinnamon Powder
- EGN cinnamon powder
- Mimi's Products ground cinnamon
- Paras cinnamon powder
- Rani Brand ground cinnamon
- Spicy King five spices powder
- Three Rivers cinnamon stick powder
- Yu Yee Brand five spice powder
- Zara Foods cinnamon powder.
James Rogers, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports and microbiologist said, “If you have one of those products, we think you should throw it away. Even small amounts of lead pose a risk because, over time, it can accumulate in the body and remain there for years, seriously harming health.”
Lead poisoning happens when there is a build-up of lead in the body. This usually happens over several months or years. Mayo Clinic says that children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.
Complications of lead poisoning
Lead poisoning can cause severe health complications, especially in children and pregnant women.
- In children, it can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, irritability, weight loss and hearing problems. Chronic exposure to lead can also lead to severe health issues such as reduced IQ, attention deficit disorders, and behavioural problems.
- In adults, lead poisoning can cause hypertension, joint and muscle pain, memory or concentration problems and headaches.
- In severe cases, it can result in abdominal pain, mood disorders and reduced sperm count or abnormal sperm in men. Pregnant women exposed to lead risk miscarriage, premature birth and developmental issues in their unborn children.
- Long-term exposure can also lead to kidney damage and impaired neurological function.