Recently, various varieties of ground cinnamon are being recalled in the United States due to the detection of higher levels of lead. Lead is a heavy metal that is known for its harmful impacts on health. It is known that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued numerous warnings and partnered with businesses to ensure consumers’ security. The article offers a summary of the affected items as well as the possible health risk as well as the precautions customers should take in the event that they’ve bought one of the affected cinnamon products.
What brands have been named after?
The FDA has issued recalls to several companies with their headquarters on New York. This includes:
- American Spices: This Ozone Park located in New York, the company has announced a recall of their Spice Class brand ground cinnamon. It was sold within New York City. New York City area from the 1st of December, 2023 until May 15th, 2024. It was offered in 12-ounce and 7-ounce plastic containers, and had an expiration date on December 12 2026.
- Advance Food International is located at Maspeth, New York, the company recalls The brand’s cinnamon powder Shahzada because of the high concentrations of lead. The product, which was sold between January 1st, 2024 until April 24, 2024 was offered in seven-ounce containers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.
- ALB-USA Enterprises The Bronx company, based in New York has recalled its brand ALB Flavor cinnamon powder. It was distributed across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan as well as New York from December 15 2022 until June 13, 2024. it is packaged in plastic bags weighing 100 grams, with a an expiration date of August 30, 2025.
- El Servidor: An alert for public health was issued in connection with ground cinnamon that is sold at Mannan Supermarket, located in Elmhurst, New York, under the El Servidor brand, which was also discovered to contain excessive levels of lead.
The reason why Lead in Cinnamon Risky?
Lead is a poisonous metal which can trigger serious health problems. A brief exposure might not show immediate symptoms However, prolonged or long-term exposure to lead can cause severe damages, specifically for the nervous system’s central part. Children who are exposed to this may cause learning problems and developmental issues. Adults exposed to persistent lead levels can suffer from hypertension, kidney disease as well as neurocognitive impairments.
How did Lead get into Cinnamon?
The presence of lead in spice may be the result of a number of causes such as soil contamination in which they are growing, or the utilization of gasoline containing leaded in the regions that produce spices. The contamination can also happen when the process and packaging processes if machinery or other materials that contain lead are utilized.
What can consumers do to help?
Anyone who has purchased one of the products recalled as cinnamon are advised to stop using them immediately as well as return the products to the store that they bought them to receive a full refund. Anyone with a health issue need to consult with a doctor in particular if the signs of exposure to lead are evident.
What are Companies and Authorities Responding?
The companies that were recalled are working with the FDA in order to eliminate the products contaminated off the shelves to prevent exposure. The FDA is also increasing the testing of spices imported from abroad and is working in close collaboration together with partners from around the world to ensure all safety requirements are adhered to globally.
What are the contact details for affected consumers?
- American Spices: Customers can dial 1-917-532-6768 for more details.
- Advance Food International: For questions, consumers can contact 1-718-482-0123.
- ALB-USA Enterprises If you are worried about a customer, call 1-917-922-527 or 1-929-431-805.
What can consumers do to prevent future contamination?
In order to avoid contamination in the future the consumer should buy the spices they need from reliable sources. They should also keep informed of recalls as well as warnings about safety issued by the FDA. Verifying expiration dates, quality of the packaging may also aid in identifying products that could be unsafe.
The recent recalls on cinnamon are a timely reminder of the significance of food safety as well as the necessity of a constant surveillance of foods for lead-related contaminants. If you are aware and responsive to health authorities and the public, both will be able to collaborate in preventing diseases that can be caused by contaminated foods.