FDA Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Cinnamon Product Due to Elevated Lead Levels

In a recent announcement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health alert regarding a ground cinnamon product that has been found to contain elevated levels of lead. This alert follows product testing conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which confirmed the FDA’s findings. Consumers are being advised to dispose of the affected product to avoid potential health risks.

Details of the Affected Product

The ground cinnamon product in question is distributed by El Servidor Corp, based in Elmhurst, NY. The specific brand name associated with this alert is El Servidor, and it is sold through Mannan Supermarket, Inc. Notably, there are no specific lot codes provided for this product. The testing revealed that the lead concentration in the product was measured at 20 parts per million (ppm), which exceeds safe levels.

The FDA has recommended that the distributor initiate a voluntary recall of this product. Consumers are urged to refrain from purchasing or using the affected ground cinnamon and to dispose of any existing stock in their homes. This alert is part of a broader initiative, as the FDA previously issued a similar alert on March 6, 2024, concerning additional ground cinnamon products that were also found to contain unsafe levels of lead.

Ongoing Safety Monitoring

The FDA is actively monitoring the situation and continues to analyze cinnamon products, reviewing samples received from state partners. These partners are consistently sampling ground cinnamon at retail locations to check for elevated lead levels. The FDA will update the public health alert as necessary, especially if further products are identified with unsafe lead concentrations.

Consumer Recommendations

To ensure safety, the FDA has provided the following recommendations for consumers:

• Immediately stop using and dispose of the affected ground cinnamon product.
• Avoid eating, selling, or serving the product listed in the alert.
• Check your home for any remaining stock of the product and discard it.

Given that ground cinnamon has a long shelf life, it is crucial for consumers to be vigilant and inspect their pantries for this product. If there is any suspicion that someone has been exposed to elevated levels of lead, particularly children, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. Lead exposure can be particularly harmful to young children and may not present immediate symptoms.

Reporting Adverse Events

Consumers who experience adverse effects or illnesses related to the consumption of this product are encouraged to report their experiences. They can do so by contacting an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator or by completing an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online. Alternatively, a paper form can be filled out and mailed to the FDA. Additional assistance for consumers and industry stakeholders can be found at the FDA’s official website.

Potential Health Risks

According to the FDA’s assessment, consuming the affected ground cinnamon product could significantly contribute to elevated lead levels in the blood, especially among vulnerable populations such as babies and young children. Protecting children from exposure to lead is paramount, as even low levels of lead in the blood can have serious health implications.

As the FDA continues to investigate and monitor ground cinnamon products, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about any updates regarding food safety alerts and recalls to ensure their health and wellbeing.