Cinnamon Recall: Lead Contamination in California | Safety Alert

Lead Contamination Prompts Recall of Lucky Foods Cinnamon Powder

A nationwide recall has been issued for Lucky Foods brand cinnamon powder due to potential lead contamination, the U.S.food and Drug Management announced Tuesday. The recall affects products distributed across 14 states, raising concerns for consumers, notably children.

The FDA initiated the recall after analysis by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets revealed elevated levels of lead in the cinnamon powder. While the source of the contamination remains unclear, the agency notes that lead can enter the food supply through environmental factors during growth or processing. “Lead may be present in food products consequently of the surroundings in which they’re grown or processed,” a senior official stated.

Did you know?-Lead exposure can affect individuals differently based on age and the amount ingested. Children are particularly vulnerable to its long-term effects.

Details of the Recalled Product

The recalled Lucky Foods cinnamon powder is packaged in 40-gram portions using vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging, designed to extend shelf life. The FDA has not released a Universal Product Code (UPC) for the affected product, making identification reliant on brand and packaging.

Where was the Cinnamon Sold?

Between April 11 and September 1, the contaminated cinnamon was distributed to a wide range of retailers, including:

• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Supermarkets
• Delis
• Bakeries
• Restaurants

The affected states are California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.

Pro tip:-If you suspect cinnamon contamination, thoroughly clean surfaces it touched with disinfectant, then wash your hands with soap and warm water.

Health Risks Associated with Lead Exposure

The severity of health effects from lead exposure depends on the amount of lead ingested, the age of the individual, and the duration of exposure.The FDA indicates that short-term or low-level exposure may not present immediate symptoms,but can still result in elevated lead levels detectable in blood tests.

however, prolonged exposure poses notable risks.For children, chronic lead exposure can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, potentially leading to learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems. Adults facing chronic exposure may experience kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.

Reader question:-What should I do if I think my child has been exposed to lead? Contact your pediatrician for a blood lead test and guidance.

What Should Consumers Do?

The FDA has not issued specific disposal instructions for the recalled cinnamon.Though, the agency generally advises consumers to either return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or discard it.

Safer Cinnamon Alternatives

Consumers seeking alternatives while the recall is underway can consider brands tested and recommended by consumer Reports last year for low lead levels:

• 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
• Sadaf seven Spice blend

The distributor, TBC Distribution Corp. of Brooklyn, N.Y., has reportedly ceased working with the supplier of the contaminated cinnamon. As of this report, no illnesses have been linked to

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