FDA Issues public health alert for ground cinnamon products due to elevated lead levels

Following increased scrutiny of cinnamon products after the discovery of elevated lead levels in applesauce products in the fall of 2023, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a public health alert for ground cinnamon products distributed by El Servidor Corp. of Elmhurst, NY, and sold through Mannan Supermarket Inc. Tests revealed that these cinnamon products contain lead concentrations of 20 parts per million (ppm), posing a significant health risk, especially to children.

The FDA is advising consumers to immediately stop using and discard the ground cinnamon product listed below:

• Distributor: El Servidor Corp.
• Retailer: Mannan Supermarket, Inc.
• Brand Name: El Servidor
• Lot Code: None
• Lead Concentration: 20 ppm

The agency has recommended that El Servidor Corp. voluntarily recall these products and will provide updates based on the distributor’s response.

Health risks of lead exposure
Consuming products with elevated levels of lead can contribute to increased lead levels in the blood, with young children being particularly vulnerable. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms such as headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia. Prolonged exposure may lead to severe health issues, including irritability, lethargy, muscle weakness, and cognitive impairments such as learning disabilities and decreased IQ.

FDA’s ongoing efforts
This alert follows a broader initiative by the FDA to ensure the safety of ground cinnamon products. In March 2024, the FDA issued an initial alert recommending the recall of several ground cinnamon products. This latest alert underscores the FDA’s commitment to monitoring and mitigating risks associated with food products, particularly those consumed by children.

Previous incidents
The FDA’s scrutiny of cinnamon products intensified after the WanaBana cinnamon apple puree and applesauce recall in 2024, which revealed lead levels between 2,270 and 5,110 ppm. While the lead concentration in the El Servidor ground cinnamon product is lower, the FDA still considers it unsafe for consumption by all age groups, especially young children.

FDA recommendations for consumers

• Discard the affected ground cinnamon product.
• Refrain from consuming, selling, or serving the product.
• Check homes for the product due to its long shelf life.

If there is any suspicion of lead exposure, particularly in children, consumers should consult a healthcare provider immediately. Most children exposed to lead may not show immediate symptoms, making medical consultation crucial.

FDA’s preventive measures
The FDA continues to work with state partners and industry stakeholders to test and ensure the safety of food products. The agency advises both domestic and international food suppliers to conduct voluntary testing of their products to prevent contamination. Manufacturers and importers are reminded of their responsibility to ensure the safety of products entering the U.S. market.

Regulatory actions
In March, the FDA issued a letter to cinnamon manufacturers and distributors, emphasizing the need for stringent controls to prevent chemical contamination. The FDA’s Toxic Elements monitoring program, which includes testing various foods, continues to play a vital role in identifying and mitigating risks associated with lead and other contaminants.

As part of its FY2025 Legislative proposal, the FDA seeks to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) to mandate industry testing of final products for contaminants and maintain records for FDA inspection. This initiative aims to strengthen food safety protocols and protect consumers, especially children, from harmful exposures.

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