United States: The FDA has recently issued a cautionary notice concerning six (6) cinnamon brands. As per the latest update from the regulatory body, the cinnamon from all these brands has been found to contain lead. The advisory was issued by authorities on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
The regulatory agency for food and drugs in the United States has urged the general populace against procuring ground cinnamon from the following six (6) brands:
- La Fiesta, available at La Superior SuperMercados
- Marcum, available at Save A Lot
- MK, available at SF Supermarket
- Swad, available at Patel Brothers
- Supreme Tradition, at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar
- El Chilar, available at La Joya Morelense in Baltimore
According to the FDA, the new roster of contaminated ground cinnamon products was associated with lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce and apple puree products discovered in October 2023, as reported by HealthDay News.
The agency has instructed the companies to initiate a recall of their products linked to ground cinnamon.
Lead and Its Impact on Humans!
It is imperative to note that lead poses a significant health hazard to humans, particularly children. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there is no safe threshold for lead exposure.
Medical professionals have delineated that elevated lead levels can lead to lead poisoning. Symptoms experienced by individuals afflicted with lead poisoning include headaches, gastrointestinal and muscular discomfort, emesis, anemia, irritability, lethargy, and weight reduction.
Furthermore, the FDA has expounded that children are the most susceptible demographic to lead exposure due to their smaller physique and rapid metabolic rate and growth. Common reported adverse effects among children exposed to lead include developmental delays, such as cognitive impairments, behavioral issues, and diminished cognitive abilities.
Investigation into Applesauce Recall Provides Insightful Analysis!
As per the agency, the investigation into the applesauce incident uncovered an intricate network of international food suppliers, processors, and manufacturers. Following this probe, the FDA commenced scrutiny of products imported into American markets. Nonetheless, the agency highlights the arduousness of this process due to legal constraints, as reported by Health Day.
Addressing the applesauce recall, the agency issued a statement which stated, “The FDA’s authority is limited over foreign ingredient suppliers who do not directly ship products to the US. This is due to further manufacturing/processing of their food prior to export. Therefore, the FDA cannot take direct action against Negasmart or Carlos Aguilera.”
Agency Measures to Prevent Sale of Contaminated Goods
The FDA has been diligently assessing US vendors whose products were found tainted to safeguard the American public. “Ultimately, it is incumbent upon manufacturers and importers to ensure the safety of products entering the US market,” stated the FDA in its latest advisory, as per HealthDay.
The communication from the agency continued, “The FDA has also dispatched a missive to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors, and facility operators in the US, reminding them of the necessity to implement measures to prevent contamination from potential chemical hazards in food, including ground cinnamon products.”