The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a new alert said that it has identified an additional cinnamon product sold in the U.S. that has been contaminated with lead, according to a report in NBC News. The ground cinnamon which is sold as El Servidor and distributed by an Elmhurst, New York, company of the same name.
After testing, the cinnamon was found to have high levels of lead at 20 parts per million. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the international safety standard of lead for bark spices like cinnamon is 2.5 parts per million. However, there is no limit for lead levels in spices set by the FDA. The US agency has asked the distributor to voluntarily recall the product.
The FDA, in March, warned about lead in cinnamon sold at Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and other stores. Those products had levels of lead ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million.
The cinnamon that has been identified in the new alert was sold at a supermarket in New York City, however, it is unclear whether it was distributed more widely.
In children, it can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, irritability, weight loss and hearing problems. Chronic exposure to lead can also lead to severe health issues such as reduced IQ, attention deficit disorders, and behavioural problems.
In adults, lead poisoning can cause hypertension, joint and muscle pain, memory or concentration problems and headaches.
In severe cases, it can result in abdominal pain, mood disorders and reduced sperm count or abnormal sperm in men. Pregnant women exposed to lead risk miscarriage, premature birth and developmental issues in their unborn children.
Long-term exposure can also lead to kidney damage and impaired neurological function.
2024-07-26T18:47:01Z dg43tfdfdgfd