Cinnamon Recall Map as Product Warning Expanded to 5 States

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued updates concerning two recalled ground cinnamon products.

On Wednesday, the FDA gave the two products risk classifications following initial recalls due to elevated levels of lead contamination. These two products have been recalled and classified:

• Shahzada-brand Pulses and Spices; cinnamon powder; 7 ounces (200 grams). No product or lot codes were listed in the recall notice. Produced by Advance Food International Inc.
• El Chilar-brand Canela Molida; ground cinnamon; 1.25 ounces (35 grams), bearing a product code of 307 and one of two lot codes: E-054 EX0225 and D-181 EX0624. Produced by EL Chilar-HF LLC.

Both recalls have now been awarded a Class II risk classification by the FDA, which is “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

The Shahzada-brand cinnamon powder was distributed to retailers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York between January 1 and May 24, and it was not sold online. The El Chilar product was sold only in Maryland.

In March, the FDA first recalled a series of cinnamon products after they were found to contain elevated levels of lead, which can cause serious health issues, particularly in young children. Numerous producers and states have been affected in the months since then.

Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the earth’s crust and can accumulate in the body over time. At low levels, it poses a minimal risk, but long-term or high levels of exposure can have serious health consequences, especially in vulnerable groups.

Lead contamination can pose a significant risk to children, as their bodies absorb more lead. According to the FDA, prolonged lead exposure in children can lead to learning disabilities, developmental delays and other long-term or permanent health issues.

Elevated lead levels in children can also cause hyperactivity, stunted growth, hearing loss and anemia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported. In rare cases, the EPA warned, lead exposure can result in seizures, coma or even death. Parents or caregivers who suspect their child has been exposed to lead should immediately contact their health care provider.

According to the World Health Organization, lead poisoning can also have severe consequences for pregnant women and their unborn children, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight.

In adults, long-term exposure to lead has also been linked to kidney problems, high blood pressure and cognitive decline.

Anyone with concerns or questions regarding the most recent recalls can contact El Chilar by phone at 407-880-6007 and Advance Food International Inc. at 718-482-0123.