Consumer Reports Just Found Lead in 12 Cinnamon Products

Consumer Reports Just Found Lead in 12 Cinnamon Products

The Dangers of Lead in Cinnamon Products

Cinnamon is a beloved spice that can be found in recipes across a variety of cuisines. Its warm and comforting flavor is a popular addition to everything from cinnamon buns to coffee and even some savory stews. However, a recent report from Consumer Reports showed that the pantry staple has been found to contain high levels of lead.

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What Does the Report Say?

Consumer Reports tested 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends like five-spice powder and garam masala, which also contain cinnamon. Out of the 36 products, there were 12 that measured above New York’s threshold for the maximum levels of heavy metals in spices. New York is currently the only state in the U.S. to regulate heavy metals in spices, although the U.S. Food & Drug Administration does take action against products with excessive heavy metals on a case-by-case basis.

Which Brands Are Affected?

Some of the brands that were deemed unsafe include Bowl & Basket, Rani Brand, Zara Foods, and Badia. These brands had levels of lead above the acceptable threshold. On the other hand, products like 365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon, 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon, Loisa Organic Cinnamon, Morton & Bassett San Francisco Organic Ground Cinnamon, Sadaf Cinnamon Powder, and Sadaf Seven Spice blend had lower levels of lead or no lead at all.

The Risks of Lead Exposure

While short-term exposure to lead may not cause any symptoms, chronic lead exposure over time can have harmful effects. Children are more vulnerable due to their size and metabolism. Lead exposure in young children can cause permanent damage to their nervous system, leading to developmental defects, learning disorders, and other long-term health problems. In adults, it can cause kidney dysfunction, neurocognitive issues, and hypertension.

What Can You Do?

According to James Rogers, Ph.D., director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, it is recommended to throw away the unsafe products. He also advises sticking with mainstream brands and using caution when adding cinnamon to your diet in high amounts. "Just a quarter teaspoon of any of those products has more lead than you should consume in an entire day."

Conclusion

The presence of lead in cinnamon products is a serious concern for anyone who consumes them regularly. While the effects of short-term exposure may be mild, chronic exposure can have severe and long-term consequences. It is crucial to be aware of the products that contain high levels of lead and to take steps to avoid them. By choosing safer alternatives and using caution when consuming cinnamon, you can minimize your exposure to this toxic metal.

FAQs

Q: What products were found to contain high levels of lead?

A: The following brands were found to contain high levels of lead: Bowl & Basket, Rani Brand, Zara Foods, and Badia.

Q: Which brands were found to be safe?

A: The following brands were found to have lower levels of lead or no lead at all: 365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon, 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon, Loisa Organic Cinnamon, Morton & Bassett San Francisco Organic Ground Cinnamon, Sadaf Cinnamon Powder, and Sadaf Seven Spice blend.

Q: What are the effects of lead exposure?

A: Lead exposure can cause permanent damage to children’s nervous systems, leading to developmental defects, learning disorders, and other long-term health problems. In adults, it can cause kidney dysfunction, neurocognitive issues, and hypertension.

Q: What should I do if I’ve been consuming cinnamon products with high levels of lead?

A: It is recommended to throw away any products that contain high levels of lead and to stick with mainstream brands. Using caution when adding cinnamon to your diet in high amounts is also advised.