In a recent investigation, Consumer Reports has flagged 12 brands of cinnamon powder and spice blends found to contain concerning levels of lead, which could pose significant health risks. This discovery follows a series of food recalls in 2024, including those by the FDA for cinnamon and other products like cantaloupes, cucumbers, and eggs, highlighting ongoing food safety issues.

The study by Consumer Reports tested 36 cinnamon products and found that 12 had lead levels exceeding 1 ppm, the recall threshold in New York, which is the only state with regulations for heavy metals in spices. The highest lead levels were detected in Paras cinnamon powder at 3.52 ppm, followed by EGN and Mimi’s Products ground cinnamon. In response, Paras and EGN have stated they will cease sales and recall the affected products from the market.

The complete list of the cinnamon and spice blends in question includes:

1. Paras cinnamon powder: 3.52 ppm

2. EGN cinnamon powder: 2.91 ppm

3. Mimi’s Products ground cinnamon: 2.03 ppm

4. ShopRite Bowl & Basket ground cinnamon: 1.82 ppm

5. Rani Brand ground cinnamon: 1.39 ppm

6. Zara Foods cinnamon powder: 1.27 ppm

7. Three Rivers cinnamon stick powder: 1.26 ppm

8. Yu Yee Brand five spice powder: 1.25 ppm

9. BaiLiFeng five spice powder: 1.15 ppm

10. Spicy King five spice powder: 1.05 ppm

11. Badia cinnamon powder: 1.03 ppm

12. Deep cinnamon powder: 1.02 ppm

Consumer Reports also identified six products considered safe for regular consumption with lead levels significantly below the recall threshold:

1. 365 Whole Foods Market organic ground cinnamon: 0.02 ppm

2. Loisa organic cinnamon: 0.04 ppm

3. Morton & Bassett San Francisco 100% organic ground cinnamon: 0.04 ppm

4. Sadaf cinnamon powder: 0.04 ppm

5. 365 Whole Foods Market ground cinnamon: 0.12 ppm

6. Sadaf seven spice: 0.15 ppm

Lead exposure is a critical health concern, as no amount of lead is considered safe for consumption, according to the EPA. It can accumulate in the body and is particularly detrimental to children, potentially leading to developmental problems and other health issues. The WHO has estimated that lead exposure was responsible for nearly a million deaths in 2019, emphasizing the need for vigilance against its harmful effects.