Consumer Reports Just Found Lead in 12 Cinnamon Products – Here’s What to Know
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Consumer Reports Just Found Lead in 12 Cinnamon Products – Here’s What to Know
What’s at Stake: Lead in Cinnamon Products
Cinnamon is a beloved spice that can be found in recipes across a variety of cuisines. Its warm and comforting flavor is a popular addition to everything from cinnamon buns to coffee and even some savory stews. However, a recent report from Consumer Reports has revealed that the pantry staple has been found to contain high levels of lead.
The Testing Results: High Lead Levels in 12 Cinnamon Products
Consumer Reports tested 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends, including five-spice powder and garam masala, which also contain cinnamon. Out of the 36 products, 12 measured above New York’s threshold for the maximum levels of heavy metals in spices. New York is currently the only state in the U.S. to regulate heavy metals in spices, although the U.S. Food & Drug Administration does take action against products with excessive heavy metals on a case-by-case basis.
The Unsafe Brands: Cinnamon Products with High Lead Levels
Some of the brands that were deemed unsafe include:
- Bowl & Basket
- Rani Brand
- Zara Foods
- Badia
These products have been found to contain high levels of lead, making them a significant health concern.
The Safe Options: Cinnamon Products with Low or No Lead
On the other hand, some brands have been found to have lower levels of lead or no lead at all. These products include:
- 365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon
- 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon
- Loisa Organic Cinnamon
- Morton & Bassett San Francisco Organic Ground Cinnamon
- Sadaf Cinnamon Powder
- Sadaf Seven Spice blend
These products are a safer option for those who enjoy using cinnamon in their cooking and baking.
The Risks of Lead Exposure
While short-term exposure to lead may not cause any symptoms, chronic lead exposure over time can have harmful effects. Children are more vulnerable due to their size and metabolism. Lead exposure in young children can cause permanent damage to their nervous system, leading to developmental defects, learning disorders, and other long-term health problems. In adults, lead exposure can cause kidney dysfunction, neurocognitive issues, and hypertension.
Expert Advice: What to Do with Your Cinnamon Products
James Rogers, Ph.D., director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, recommends throwing away the unsafe products and sticking with mainstream brands. He notes that "Just a quarter teaspoon of any of those products has more lead than you should consume in an entire day." Consumer Reports also recommends using caution when adding cinnamon to your diet in high amounts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent report from Consumer Reports has revealed that 12 cinnamon products contain high levels of lead. This is a significant health concern, particularly for children and adults who may be exposed to lead in their diet. To avoid the risks associated with lead exposure, it is recommended to choose safer cinnamon products and to use caution when adding cinnamon to your diet.
FAQs
Q: Why is lead in cinnamon a concern?
A: Lead is a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, particularly in children. Chronic lead exposure over time can cause permanent damage to the nervous system, leading to developmental defects, learning disorders, and other long-term health problems.
Q: Which cinnamon products contain high levels of lead?
A: Consumer Reports tested 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends, including five-spice powder and garam masala. Out of the 36 products, 12 measured above New York’s threshold for the maximum levels of heavy metals in spices.
Q: Which brands are safe?
A: The safe brands include 365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon, 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon, Loisa Organic Cinnamon, Morton & Bassett San Francisco Organic Ground Cinnamon, Sadaf Cinnamon Powder, and Sadaf Seven Spice blend.
Q: What should I do with my unsafe cinnamon products?
A: Consumer Reports recommends throwing away the unsafe products and sticking with mainstream brands.
