Health officials are urging consumers to “discontinue use and discard” El Cervidor brand powdered cinnamon products after they were found to contain “high levels” of lead.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said exposure to these concentrations may be “unsafe,” especially for infants and young children.
“FDA's evaluation has determined that ingesting this product may increase blood lead levels, especially in infants and young children,” the agency said in a statement.
Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal that can replace calcium in bones and teeth and can accumulate in the body for decades after initial exposure. Over time, this heavy metal can build up and be released back into the blood.
The metal has been linked to a variety of neurological and cardiovascular diseases, as well as kidney, blood, immune system and reproductive health problems.
“Short-term exposure to high lead levels may cause symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain/colic, vomiting, and anemia,” the FDA said. “Long-term exposure to high lead levels may cause additional symptoms, including: irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle pain or tingling/burning, constipation, difficulty concentrating/weakness, tremors, and weight loss.”
Of course, the risks posed by eating lead-contaminated foods vary depending on the concentration, the amount eaten, and the age of the consumer, but while the lead levels in El Cervidor cinnamon are relatively low (20 ppm), the FDA says there is “no known safe level” of lead exposure.
The FDA continues to analyze and investigate cinnamon samples across the U.S. and has advised distributors to voluntarily recall their products. Meanwhile, the FDA has warned customers to stop using and discard El Cervidor ground cinnamon until the issue is resolved. Newsweek We've reached out to the FDA for more information.
“If you suspect you may have been exposed to high levels of lead, consult a health care professional,” the FDA said. “Most people do not experience immediately obvious symptoms from lead exposure.”
The FDA added that a healthy, balanced diet can help prevent some of the health effects of lead exposure.
“Eating a variety of healthy foods reduces repeated exposure to the same contaminants from the same foods and helps provide a variety of nutrients needed for health and healthy child development. Having adequate nutrients in the body also helps protect against the harmful effects of lead.”
Do you have a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know at health@newsweek.com. We'll ask experts for advice and we might feature your story. Newsweek.
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