A dozen brands of cinnamon contain dangerous levels of cancer-causing metals, research suggests.
Scientists at the consumer watchdog Consumer Reports tested 36 ground cinnamon products for lead, a toxic metal that in large amounts has been shown to cause developmental problems in children, reproductive problems and cancer.
The team found that 12 of the brands tested contained more than one part per million (PPM) of lead, enough to prompt a recall in New York, the only state that regulates heavy metals in spices.
And researchers warned that just a quarter teaspoon of these products could have serious health consequences, especially for young children, as lead can harm brain development.
Several brands of cinnamon have been recalled for containing lead, a toxic metal.
Dr. James Rogers, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, said: “If you have one of these products, we think you should throw it away.”
‘Even small amounts of lead pose a risk because over time it can accumulate in the body and remain there for years, seriously damaging health.’
Several products involved in the tests have already been recalled this year for containing traces of lead, and the two biggest offenders said they would pull the affected products from shelves.
None of these items have been linked to illnesses, but baby bags containing cinnamon have sickened more than 500 children in the past year.
It is not clear exactly why so many cinnamon products contain lead, although there are several theories.
Lead is naturally present in the Earth’s crust, meaning it could be present in the soil in which spices are grown. In addition, the FDA previously said it was investigating whether lead had been intentionally added for economic gain.
For example, compounds such as red brick, red lead salt, lead oxide and lead chromate, which reflect the red colour of cinnamon, have been added to increase the value of the spice, research shows.
Karen Everstine, technical director of FoodchainID, a food supply chain watchdog, said it’s essentially a money-making scheme. “The intention is not to make people sick. Nobody wants to do that because then they get caught,” she said. “They want to make money.”
Consumer Reports researchers purchased 36 ground cinnamon products at 17 stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, as well as online marketplaces.
Products from international specialty stores appeared to have the highest levels, with Paras Cinnamon Powder topping the list at 3.5 PPM, three and a half times the New York recall limit.
Cinnamon from EGN and Mimi’s Products followed closely behind with 2.9 PPM and 2 PPM, respectively.
Only one mainstream brand made Consumer Reports’ most dangerous list: powder from Florida-based Badia Spices, which contains 1.03 ppm, just above New York’s limit.
Consumer Reports also ranked several more recognizable brands that are “usable” in limited quantities.
For example, Amazon’s Happy Belly brand, Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand, and Walmart’s Great Value brand each contain 0.8 PPM, and experts recommend consuming no more than a quarter teaspoon per day.
Whole Foods’ 365 Organic Cinnamon had the lowest lead levels, at 0.02 ppm, and experts suggest a daily limit of 16 teaspoons. The store’s non-organic version has 0.1 ppm, and the team suggests limiting yourself to two teaspoons.
Sadaf and Morton & Bassett San Francisco powders ranked close behind 365 Whole Foods Organic, both at 0.04 ppm. Researchers recommend consuming no more than six to seven teaspoons per day.
“These products demonstrate that it is possible to produce cinnamon without lead or at extremely low levels,” said Dr. Rogers.
Although some brands pose more risk than others, the FDA and CDC warn that there is no safe level of lead consumption.
Once consumed, lead can travel throughout the body through the blood and settle in soft tissues such as the kidney, liver or lungs, damaging those organs.
At higher doses or with frequent exposure, it has been linked to behavioral problems, growth problems, and learning difficulties in children.
Furthermore, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified it as a probable carcinogen, meaning that high exposure is likely to cause cancer, but there is no conclusive evidence yet.
Short-term exposure to lead can cause symptoms including headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia.