A recent Consumer Reports study has discovered that one-third of tested ground cinnamon and spice blends contain concerning levels of lead. This finding comes almost a year after a recall of cinnamon applesauce pouches due to lead contamination, which led to lead poisoning in over 500 children.
Lead Contamination in Spices
The study, reported by the Washington Post, found detectable levels of lead in all tested spices. Specifically, 12 out of 36 products exceeded one part per million (ppm) of lead. James Rogers, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, noted, “I think, if we actually tested more, or tested over time, we might even have found more.”
Brands with High Lead Levels
The spices were purchased from 17 stores across Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and online. The affected brands include:
- Badia Cinnamon Powder
- BaiLiFeng Five Spice Powder
- Bowl & Basket Ground Cinnamon
- Deep Cinnamon Powder
- EGN Cinnamon Powder
- Mimi’s Products Ground Cinnamon
- Paras Cinnamon Powder
- Rani Brand Ground Cinnamon
- Spicy King Five Spices Powder
- Three Rivers Cinnamon Stick Powder
- Yu Yee Brand Five Spice Powder
- Zara Foods Cinnamon Powder
Rogers advised, “If you have one of those products, we think you should throw it away. Even small amounts of lead pose a risk because, over time, it can accumulate in the body and remain there for years, seriously harming health.”
Health Risks of Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning occurs from prolonged lead build-up in the body, posing significant risks, particularly to children under six. It can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems in children, while in adults, it can cause hypertension, joint pain, memory issues, and severe cases may result in abdominal pain and mood disorders. Pregnant women exposed to lead risk miscarriage and developmental issues in their unborn children.
Long-term exposure to lead can cause kidney damage and impaired neurological function, underscoring the need to address and mitigate lead contamination in food products.