The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning for consumers in four states to avoid cinnamon due to potentially high lead levels.
On Friday, the FDA announced a recall of ALB Flavor brand Cinnamon Powder because of possible “elevated levels of lead” contamination.
States Affected
The product was distributed to stores in New York, Connecticut, Michigan, and Massachusetts from December 15, 2022, to May 13, 2024.
The product was not available online.
Product Packaging
The affected cinnamon is sold in 100-gram plastic bags under the ALB Flavor label.
The packaging features a picture of cinnamon powder and sticks, with the phrase “packed with love in Albania” on the front.
Product Details
The back of the packaging displays the UPC number “5304000333362,” a “best before” date of “30/08/2025,” and the lot number “LA02.”
Additionally, the packaging includes information about the cinnamon, its origin, and a QR code for recipes.
Permanent Damage to Children
According to the recall notice, “It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure.”
It warns that “if a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months), permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur.”
Effect on Adults
For adults, chronic lead exposure is linked to “kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.”
The recall was prompted by findings from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, which detected high lead levels in the cinnamon.
Ongoing Investigation
Both ALB-USA Enterprises and the FDA are investigating the source of the contamination. No illnesses related to the recall have been reported so far.
All recalled cinnamon products have been removed from store shelves.
What Should Consumers Do?
Consumers who purchased the affected product are “urged to not consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.”
Customers with questions or concerns can contact the company at 917-922-5627 or 929-431-8505 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Another Case
This recall is not isolated.
The FDA recently issued a public health alert on Thursday, advising consumers to “stop using and dispose of” El Servidor brand ground cinnamon due to similar lead contamination concerns.
Other Cinnamon Products Analyzed
The FDA is “continuing to analyze” other cinnamon products.
It is also reviewing “sample results received from state partners who have been continuously sampling ground cinnamon at retail for elevated levels of lead.”
“No Safe Blood Lead Level”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize that there is “no safe blood lead level,” as even low levels can significantly impact children’s health.
While most children show no immediate symptoms, they may later exhibit signs of brain damage or learning disabilities.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Short-term symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, abdominal pain, colic, vomiting, and anemia.
Long-term exposure can lead to irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, difficulty concentrating, tremors, and weight loss.
