Several states are recalling cinnamon that has been shipped to stores due to concerns of lead contamination.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notice reported that ALB-USA Enterprises Inc. had to recall their Cinnamon powder product from the market due to the presence of high levels of lead. The recall was initiated after the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) conducted an analysis that revealed the elevated lead content in the ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder.
Last year, the recall of WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis brand apple cinnamon pouches was prompted by the same concern.
New York state health officials have confirmed that a case of lead poisoning is linked to the recent recall of applesauce products. The state Department of Health issued a warning last week after a New York City resident became ill from consuming applesauce that was included in the recall. The recalled applesauce products were found to contain elevated levels of lead, which can cause serious health problems if ingested. Officials are urging consumers who purchased the recalled products to dispose of them immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund. It is important for consumers to be aware of any product recalls and take appropriate action to protect their health and safety.
The company has announced that it has stopped importing and distributing the product as it collaborates with federal health officials to investigate the root cause of the issue.
Between December 2022 and May 2024, the cinnamon was shipped to retailers in New York, Connecticut, Michigan, and Massachusetts.
According to the notice, the product being recalled is packaged in a plastic bag weighing 100 grams and branded under the ALB Flavor name. The packaging displays an image of two cinnamon sticks and cinnamon powder centered at the bottom.
Despite the rising cases of lead, certain recalled applesauce products were still available on store shelves in mid-December.
As of now, there have been no reported cases of illnesses associated with the product. The FDA warns that although exposure to low levels of lead in the short term may not show any symptoms, elevated blood lead levels may be the only visible indication of lead exposure.
According to the FDA, lead exposure can have an impact on almost every bodily system. The duration and volume of lead exposure, as well as the person’s age and body weight, all affect how severe the effects are.
The plastic bag weighing 100 grams that has been recalled belongs to the ALB Flavor brand.
If an individual has been exposed to high levels of lead, either acutely or chronically, they may exhibit additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure.
Health officials have found that adults who are chronically exposed to lead may experience kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.
Exposure to lead for an extended period of time can cause permanent damage to a child’s central nervous system, which can result in various long-term health problems. Learning disorders and developmental defects are some of the many issues that may arise due to this exposure.
