Cinnamon recalled due to elevated lead levels

Spices USA Inc. of Hialeah, Florida is recalling Taste-Sawa cinnamon due to elevated lead levels.

According to the details posted online by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated on March 12, 2024 and is still ongoing.

The recalled products were distributed in the US in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina and in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

Recalled product:

Lekker-Sawa cinnamon ground, net weight. 55.11 lbs, paper bag (bulk),

• Country of origin Vietnam
• Product quantity: 394 bags/21713.34 lbs
• Code information: Batch number: VN/OFD/1D/0623

Consumers should not use this product. Recalled products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.

About lead poisoning
Short-term exposure to very low levels of lead may not cause any symptoms. It is possible that elevated blood lead levels are the only clear sign of lead exposure. Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure are more likely with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead. Although lead can affect almost any body system, its effects depend on the amount and duration of lead exposure and age/body weight.

If a child is exposed to enough lead for an extended period of time (e.g. weeks to months), permanent damage to the central nervous system can occur. This can lead to learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and other long-term health problems. In adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with renal dysfunction, hypertension and neurocognitive effects.

Exposure to large amounts of lead can cause lead poisoning. Although lead can affect almost any body system, its effects depend on the amount and duration of lead exposure and the age of the person exposed.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)