Several Ground Cinnamon Products Recalled In RI For Lead Contamination

RHODE ISLAND — Several ground cinnamon products sold in Rhode Island have been recalled, because they contain elevated levels of lead, the RI Department of Health (RIDOH) said Wednesday.

RIDOH officials said the products were sold under the brands names: La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chilar. These products were sold at retailers nationwide, including at Save A Lot, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar. More information about these products is available from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Health officials said consumers should not eat, sell, or serve these ground cinnamon products. These products have a long shelf life, so consumers should check their homes and throw out these products.

Following the October 2023 recall of cinnamon apple purée and applesauce products due to elevated lead levels linked to the cinnamon in those products, the FDA initiated a targeted survey of ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores. This recall resulted from that investigation.

Long-term exposure (months to years) to elevated levels of lead in the diet could contribute to adverse health effects, particularly for the portion of the population that may already have elevated blood lead levels from previous exposure.

State health officials said the potential for adverse health effects from eating food contaminated with lead varies depending on the level of lead in the food, age of the consumer, as well as the length, amount, and frequency of exposure to lead in the food and other exposures to different sources of lead. For example, young children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects of lead exposure because of their smaller body sizes and rapid metabolism and growth. High levels of exposure to lead in utero, infancy, and early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ.

If you are concerned that you or anyone in your family may have symptoms of lead toxicity, contact a health care professional.

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