In March 2024, the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. alerted consumers there to confirmed instances of lead-contaminated cinnamon products.
Any product contaminated with lead is bad enough, but the way in which it was detected is particularly awful. The agency began testing cinnamon products after fruit puree pouches were linked to cases of lead poisoning in 460 children. The cinnamon in the puree was determined to be the source of the heavy metal which, according to the Mayo Clinic, "can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal."
Why on earth would there be lead, one of the most potent neurotoxins, in cinnamon? The causes can be environmental and/or intentional.
Lead chromate is often added to spices like cinnamon and turmeric to either enhance the colour and/or to increase the weight of the product. Cinnamon bark harvested in some countries with noted lead contamination in the soil and air can contain the heavy metal. The trees take up to 10 years to grow to the point at which the bark can be harvested, so that's a long time to timeline for exposure.
So, cinnamon bark containing lead can be further contaminated when it is processed and lead chromate is added. In the case of the pureed food pouches, the FDA has stated "the lead contamination was likely an act of economically motivated adulteration.”
As recently as July 31, it has been reported that children diagnosed with lead poisoning which can be tied to contaminated cinnamon now number 500. And, also as of that date, the U.S. agency has listed warnings about nine brands of cinnamon products.
DO WE NEED TO BE CONCERNED IN CANADA?
No, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. “The CFIA is not aware of any Canadian distribution of the (U.S.) recalled products,” the agency has said. The products affected in the U.S. are not distributed in Canada. However, the situation is being closely monitored for any changes in the situation here at home.
EPICURE CINNAMON & TURMERIC
I have reached out to Epicure Selections for comment about the sourcing and quality of these two Epicure products, sold in Canada and the U.S.