Consumer Reports Finds Lead in 12 Cinnamon Products

Hidden Dangers in the Pantry

Cinnamon is a beloved spice that adds warmth and comfort to a variety of dishes. However, a recent report from Consumer Reports has found that this common pantry staple contains high levels of lead.

The report tested 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends, including five-spice powder and garam masala, which also contain cinnamon. Out of these 36 products, 12 were found to exceed the maximum levels of heavy metals in spices set by the state of New York.

Unreliable Brands

Some of the brands that were deemed unsafe by Consumer Reports include:

• Bowl & Basket
• Rani Brand
• Zara Foods
• Badia

On the other hand, there are some brands that are safer options:

• 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

These products had lower levels of lead or were found to be lead-free.

The Dangers of Lead Exposure

While short-term exposure to lead may not cause any immediate harm, chronic lead exposure can have serious and long-lasting consequences. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their size and metabolism. Lead exposure in young children can cause:

• Permanent damage to their nervous system
• Developmental defects
• Learning disorders
• Other long-term health problems

Adults can also experience the effects of lead exposure, including:

• Kidney dysfunction
• Neurocognitive issues
• Hypertension

Safety Recommendations

According to James Rogers, Ph.D., director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to consuming cinnamon products. "Just a quarter teaspoon of any of those products has more lead than you should consume in an entire day."

Consumer Reports recommends discarding unsafe products and choosing mainstream brands instead. It’s also important to use caution when adding cinnamon to your diet in large quantities.

Conclusion

Consumers should be aware of the potential risks associated with cinnamon products and take steps to protect themselves. The findings of Consumer Reports should serve as a wake-up call to manufacturers, government agencies, and consumers alike. By being mindful of the products we put into our bodies, we can take control of our health and well-being.

FAQs

Q: What are the sources of lead in cinnamon products?
A: Consumer Reports did not specifically identify the sources of lead in the tested products.

Q: How did Consumer Reports test the cinnamon products?
A: The organization tested 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends using a specialized process that detects heavy metals like lead.

Q: Why is lead exposure harmful to children?
A: Children are more susceptible to the effects of lead due to their developing nervous system and metabolism. Chronic lead exposure can cause permanent damage to their nervous system and lead to developmental delays, learning disorders, and other long-term health problems.

Q: Are all cinnamon products safe to consume?
A: According to Consumer Reports, no. Some products were found to exceed the maximum levels of heavy metals in spices set by the state of New York. Always choose mainstream brands and follow recommended usage guidelines to minimize risk.