FDA: Take Action on Dangerous Lead Levels in Cinnamon
Recent national recalls of products containing cinnamon due to dangerous lead levels underscore the seriousness of Consumer Reports' latest tests of this widely used spice. What we found is troubling: in one-third of the cinnamon products we bought from stores and tested, just a quarter-teaspoon had more lead than you should consume in an entire day.
We tested 36 ground cinnamon products for lead and found a third had above 1 part per million of lead, the threshold that triggers a recall in New York, the only state in the nation that regulates heavy metals in spices. These lead levels have such serious health risks, our food safety experts recommend throwing these products away.
Despite the dangers of consuming lead – which include brain and nervous system damage, developmental delays, and reproductive issues – we still have no national limit on this heavy metal in most foods. Our latest test results underscore the need for the Food and Drug Administration to stop stalling, and act immediately to stop the health threat posed by heavy metals, especially to our children!
Join us in demanding the FDA set and enforce strict national limits on lead and other toxic heavy metals in spices. All Americans should be protected, not just those living in states with the courage to act.
Consumer Reports' recent tests of cinnamon products detected dangerous levels of lead in one-third of the 36 samples tested. A mere quarter teaspoon of these products contained more lead than any person should consume in an entire day, with particular health concerns for children and pregnant people.
While your agency has dragged its feet implementing a heavy lead limit on spices, New York State enforces a limit of 1 part per million, recalling more than 100 spice products due to lead contamination since 2016. It's past time the FDA acts to give all Americans the same protections from exposure to this and other dangerous heavy metals. We urge the FDA to immediately adopt a national standard similar to New York's limits, and protect us from these health risks.
