Recent national recalls of products containing cinnamon due to dangerous lead levels underscore the seriousness of Consumer Reports’ latest tests of this widely used spice. What we found is troubling: in one-third of the cinnamon products we bought from stores and tested, just a quarter-teaspoon had more lead than you should consume in an entire day.
We tested 36 ground cinnamon products for lead and found a third had above 1 part per million of lead, the threshold that triggers a recall in New York, the only state in the nation that regulates heavy metals in spices. These lead levels have such serious health risks, our food safety experts recommend throwing these products away.
Despite the dangers of consuming lead – which include brain and nervous system damage, developmental delays, and reproductive issues – we still have no national limit on this heavy metal in most foods. Our latest test results underscore the need for the Food and Drug Administration to stop stalling, and act immediately to stop the health threat posed by heavy metals, especially to our children!
Join us in demanding the FDA set and enforce strict national limits on lead and other toxic heavy metals in spices. All Americans should be protected, not just those living in states with the courage to act.
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