Recent Awareness of Cinnamon Contamination
A few weeks ago a reader wrote in to ask specifically about whether it is still safe, in light of recent events, to eat cinnamon. I spent some time researching the issue.
In October 2023, lead and chromium poisoning was diagnosed in 519 children. It was traced to consumption of specific brands of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce, and a major recall was initiated. The cases were traced to the cinnamon, which was found to have originated in Ecuador, from where it had been supplied to the apple puree and applesauce manufacturer. According to a letter originating from the cinnamon distributor and which I read myself, no lead testing was done because they believed the cinnamon was unlikely to be contaminated.
Following this nightmare, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) surveyed ground cinnamon samples from discount retail stores, and analyzed selected samples for lead and other heavy metals. Initially, elevated lead levels were found in Spice Class, La Frontera, La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chilar brands of ground cinnamon. Campania Indillor Orientale, ALB Flavor, and Shahzada were later added to the list. Concurrent testing by Consumer Reports revealed elevated lead levels in 12 of 36 additional brands, including Paras (highest lead concentration at 3.52 parts per million, ppm) and 11 additional brands. Ranging from highest lead level to lowest, they were: Paras, EGN, Mimi’s Products, Bowl & Basket, Rani Brand, Zara Foods, Three Rivers, Yu Yee Brand, BaiLiFeng, Spicy King, Badia, and Deep.
While lead and chromium levels were above recommended levels in these products, they were, thankfully, nowhere near the highly toxic levels in the Ecuadoran cinnamon. And while no adverse events were reported in association with the FDA-tested brands, the FDA, with reasonable concerns about compound exposures, reported in 2024 that prolonged exposure to these products might be unsafe.
Public alerts were issued for brands of cinnamon with unacceptably-high lead levels at 2.03-3.4 ppm. Consumer Reports flagged the 12 brands listed above with lead levels above 1 ppm, a level that triggers a recall in the State of New York, the only state that regulates heavy metals in spices. Of note, only the highest 3 results (Paras, EGN, Mimi’s) of the 12 tested exceeded less stringent thresholds set by the FDA and European Commission.
According to Consumer Reports, the lowest lead levels were found in 365 Whole Foods Market, Sadaf, Loisa, and Morton & Bassett San Francisco cinnamon brands.
Mechanisms of Contamination
Lead is relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust and with significant global reserves. It is a heavy metal that infiltrates soil and water to contaminate crops, including cinnamon, which is sourced from the bark and leaves of an evergreen cinnamon tree. While the origin(s) of the lead in the FDA-tested cinnamon is still unclear, it can contaminate cinnamon in three possible ways:
1. Lead from the mining and construction industries, as well as leaded gasoline, can leach into waterways, from which it is absorbed into trees through their roots, and then incorporated into tree bark.
2. Grinding equipment might contain lead, unspecified amounts of which might inadvertently make their way into cinnamon ground in that equipment.
3. Most concerning is adulteration, the deliberate addition of lead to spice products. Because lead is comparatively heavy, its addition to ground cinnamon is likely to markedly increase the weight, price, and, therefore, profit margin.
Health & Safety
Ultimately, heavy metal contamination affects not only cinnamon, but food safety in general and spices in particular. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no known “safe” level of lead contamination.
There are no federal limits on lead or other heavy metals, and routine testing for heavy metals is not commonly performed. The materials I read attributed this to longstanding inadequate Congressional funding of the regulatory agencies with responsibility for food safety.
Factors affecting the potential for adverse health effects from lead ingestion include age; length, amount, frequency of exposure; and exposures from other sources. Infants and children are particularly vulnerable because lead is toxic to the nervous system, which is growing rapidly in our youngest ones. High level lead exposure in utero, infancy, and early childhood has been associated with learning and behavioral difficulties, and reduced IQ. Because most symptoms of lead exposure do not become obvious until levels are quite high, lead screening of children is commonplace.
Finally, a shoutout to diet. The FDA took this opportunity to remind us that nourishing diets help protect against the effects of lead exposure. For one thing, it may reduce the likelihood of repeated exposures to a single contaminated food. For another, variety itself increases provision of the broad range of nutrients necessary for good health and proper development. Parenthetically, body storage of certain nutrients (e.g., iron) reduces the likelihood of deleterious effects from lead exposure.
Let the Buyer Beware
Generally speaking, sources recommended reputable brands with strong food safety practices. Organic products, especially those with third-party certification, may be a further indicator of higher quality. In both of these cases, it would be up to each and every consumer to conduct their own due diligence, a not entirely reasonable expectation from my perspective.
It is, however, worth considering that lead contamination may be less likely in whole rather than ground cinnamon due to 1) lack of exposure to contaminated grinding equipment; and 2) decreased potential for adulteration.
In my case, I will plan to continue using well-known national brands of ground cinnamon.