The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall affecting various brands of ground cinnamon due to potential lead contamination. As part of an ongoing review, the FDA has identified 16 brands with elevated lead levels, recently adding HAETAE and Roshni ground cinnamon to the list of affected products.
The contaminated products were detected during routine testing at a retail location, prompting the FDA to classify these spices as unsafe for consumption. Notably, both Roshni and HAETAE cinnamon products can be recognized by the UPC code 6251136034139 and have a “best by” date of February 9, 2024.
In detailed analysis, the FDA found concerning lead concentrations: Roshni cinnamon showed a level of 2.268 parts per million (ppm), while HAETAE cinnamon registered 4.6 ppm. Consumers are advised to check their cupboards and dispose of any ground cinnamon products listed as follows:
1. **Super Brand** – Not specified, lead concentrations of 7.68 and 6.60 ppm.
2. **El Chilar** – Sold in Maryland, concentrations of 3.75 and 7.01 ppm.
3. **HAETAE** – Not specified, 4.60 ppm (UPC: 6251136034139; Best by: Feb. 9, 2024).
4. **ALB Flavor** – Sold in Connecticut, 3.93 ppm (Best by: Aug. 30, 2024).
5. **SWAD** – Sold in Connecticut, 2.89 ppm (Batch number KX28223; Best by: Oct. 2026).
6. **La Frontera** – New York, 2.66 ppm.
7. **Wise Wife** – Not specified, 2.49 ppm (UPC: 0688474302853).
8. **Durra** – Not specified, 2.44 ppm (Best by: May 2026).
9. **Supreme Tradition** – California, 2.37 ppm (Best by: Oct. 6, 2023).
10. **Asli** – Missouri, 2.32 ppm.
11. **Jiva Organics** – Not specified, 2.29 ppm (Best by: July 2023).
12. **Roshni** – Not specified, 2.268 ppm (UPC: 6251136034139; Best by: Feb. 9, 2024).
13. **Compania Indillor Orentale** – Connecticut, 2.23 ppm (Best by: Aug. 2024).
14. **Marcum** – Missouri and Virginia, concentrations of 2.22 and 2.14 ppm (Best by: Dec. 5, 2023).
15. **Spice Class** – New York, 2.04 ppm (Best by: Dec. 2026).
16. **Shahzada** – New York, 2.03 ppm.
As of October 10, there have been no confirmed reports of illness associated with these products. The FDA continues its efforts to analyze ground cinnamon and monitor products for harmful lead levels.
Lead exposure can have serious health implications, particularly for young children, whose small body size and rapid growth make them more susceptible to its effects. Neurological repercussions can occur from high levels of lead exposure during critical developmental stages, potentially resulting in learning disabilities and reduced IQ.
Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about these recalls and prioritize safety by discarding any affected products. The proactive measures by the FDA underscore the importance of vigilance when it comes to food safety, ensuring that public health remains a priority.