Following increased scrutiny of cinnamon products following the discovery of elevated lead levels in applesauce products in the fall of 2023, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a public health warning for ground cinnamon products distributed by El Servidor Corp. of Elmhurst, NY, and sold through Mannan Supermarket Inc. Tests showed that these cinnamon products contained lead concentrations of 20 parts per million (ppm), which poses a significant health risk, especially to children.
The FDA advises consumers to immediately stop using and throw away the ground cinnamon product below:
- Distributor: ElServor Corp.
- Retailer: Mannan Supermarket, Inc.
- Brand name: El Servidor
- Lot number: No
- Lead concentration: 20 ppm
The agency recommended that El Servidor Corp. is voluntarily recalling these products and will provide updates based on the distributor’s response.
Health risks of lead exposure
Consuming products with elevated lead levels can contribute to elevated blood lead levels, with young children being particularly vulnerable. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems, including irritability, lethargy, muscle weakness and cognitive impairment such as learning disabilities and reduced IQ.
The FDA’s continued efforts
This warning follows a broader initiative by the FDA to ensure the safety of ground cinnamon products. In March 2024, the FDA issued an initial alert recommending the recall of several ground cinnamon products. This latest warning underscores the FDA’s commitment to monitoring and mitigating risks associated with food products, especially those consumed by children.
Previous incidents
The FDA’s investigation into cinnamon products intensified following the 2024 recall of WanaBana cinnamon apple puree and applesauce, which revealed lead levels between 2,270 and 5,110 ppm. Although the lead concentration in El Servidor’s ground cinnamon product is lower, the FDA still considers it unsafe for consumption by all age groups, especially young children.
FDA Recommendations for Consumers
- Discard the affected ground cinnamon product.
- Refrain from consuming, selling or serving the product.
- Check homes for the product due to its long shelf life.
If there is any suspicion of lead exposure, especially in children, consumers should consult a health care provider immediately. Most children exposed to lead may not show immediate symptoms, making medical advice critical.
FDA Preventative Actions
The FDA continues to work with state partners and industry stakeholders to test and ensure the safety of food products. The agency advises both domestic and international food suppliers to voluntarily test their products to prevent contamination. Manufacturers and importers are reminded of their responsibility to ensure the safety of products entering the U.S. market.
Regulatory actions
In March, the FDA sent a letter to cinnamon manufacturers and distributors emphasizing the need for strict controls to prevent chemical contamination. The FDA’s Toxic Elements Monitoring Program, which includes testing of various foods, continues to play a critical role in identifying and mitigating risks associated with lead and other contaminants.
As part of its FY 2025 bill, the FDA plans to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) to require industry testing of finished products for contaminants and maintenance of records for FDA inspection. This initiative aims to strengthen food safety protocols and protect consumers, especially children, from harmful exposure.
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