Cinnamon shipped to stores in several states is being recalled due to concerns it may be contaminated with lead.
ALB-USA Enterprises Inc. has recalled ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder after an analysis conducted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) found the product to contain elevated levels of lead,” according to a notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It’s the same concern that prompted the recall of WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon and apple packets late last year.
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The company said it has stopped importing and distributing the product while it investigates the cause of the problem with federal health officials.
Prior to that, cinnamon was shipped to retailers in New York, Connecticut, Michigan and Massachusetts between December 2022 and May 2024.
The recalled product is branded ALB Flavor and is packaged in a plastic bag with a net weight of 100 grams. An image of cinnamon powder and two cinnamon sticks centered at the bottom of the package is displayed, according to the notice.
RECALLED APPLESAUCE PRODUCTS WERE ON SHELVES IN SOME STORES IN MID-DECEMBER, DESPITE INCREASING LEAD CASES
To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with this product. Although short-term exposures to very low levels of lead may not cause symptoms, the FDA noted that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure.
Lead can affect nearly every body system, but its effects depend on the amount and duration of lead exposure as well as the individual’s age and body weight, according to the FDA.
Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure will develop if a person is acutely exposed to higher levels of lead or if they are chronically exposed to lead.
Chronic lead exposure in adults is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension and neurocognitive effects, health officials say.
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If a child is exposed to significant amounts of lead over a long period of time, he or she may suffer permanent damage to his or her central nervous system, which can lead to learning disabilities, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems.