Cinnamon is a popular spice used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory. However, a new investigation by Consumer Reports has raised concerns about its safety. According to recent findings, 12 cinnamon products, along with some spice blends, contain dangerous levels of lead, posing health risks to consumers.
Testing Results From Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports conducted tests on 36 ground cinnamon and spice blend products, including five-spice powder and garam masala. Out of these, 12 products were found to exceed New York’s threshold for heavy metals in spices, with lead being the primary concern. Some of the brands deemed unsafe include:
- Bowl & Basket
- Rani Brand
- Zara Foods
- Badia
Brands With Low Lead Levels On the other hand, some cinnamon products were found to contain lower or no detectable levels of lead, making them a safer option. These 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
Why Is Lead Dangerous?
Lead exposure, especially over time, can lead to serious health problems. While short-term exposure may not immediately show symptoms, chronic exposure can cause irreversible damage, particularly in children. Some of the risks include:
- Developmental delays and learning disorders in children
- Permanent nervous system damage
- Kidney dysfunction
- Hypertension in adults
Safety Recommendations
James Rogers, Ph.D., director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, strongly advises consumers to discard any products found to have high levels of lead. He emphasized that even consuming as little as a quarter teaspoon of these tainted cinnamon products can exceed daily lead consumption limits.
What Consumers Can Do:
- Opt for safer brands, like 365 Whole Foods and Loisa Organic Cinnamon.
- Avoid consuming large amounts of cinnamon from unregulated sources.
- Be cautious when purchasing spices, especially from smaller, lesser-known brands.
Health Risks Of Lead Exposure
| Risk Group | Health Impact |
|---|---|
| Children | Developmental issues, nervous system damage, learning disorders |
| Adults | Kidney dysfunction, neurocognitive issues, hypertension, and more |
| Pregnant Women | Can affect fetal development, leading to long-term health problems in infants |
Conclusion:
The recent findings by Consumer Reports highlight serious concerns about the presence of lead in 12 cinnamon products. These findings emphasize the need for consumers to be cautious, especially when purchasing spices from lesser-known brands. Lead exposure can have severe long-term health effects, particularly in children.
Consumers are advised to opt for safer brands like 365 Whole Foods and Loisa Organic Cinnamon and avoid products with high lead levels. Staying informed and making mindful choices can help reduce the risk of harmful exposure.
FAQs
1. What Prompted The Testing Of Cinnamon For Lead?
Consumer Reports tested cinnamon and other spices to evaluate their safety after previous concerns about heavy metals in food.
2. Which Brands Should I Avoid?
Brands like Bowl & Basket, Rani Brand, Zara Foods, and Badia have been found to have high lead levels.
3. Are There Any Safe Brands Of Cinnamon?
Yes, safer options include 365 Whole Foods Market and Loisa Organic Cinnamon.
4. Why Is Lead Dangerous In Food?
Lead can accumulate in the body over time, leading to long-term health issues, especially in children.
5. What Should I Do If I Have Been Consuming These Products?
If you’ve consumed these products regularly, it’s advised to stop using them and consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned about lead exposure.
By staying informed and choosing trusted brands, consumers can avoid potential health risks associated with lead-contaminated cinnamon.
