More lead contamination incidents discovered in spice products' recall
Headline: FDA Warns of Lead Contamination in ALB Flavor Ground Cinnamon
In a public health alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to stop using ALB Flavor brand ground cinnamon due to the presence of elevated levels of lead. This contamination poses serious health risks, particularly for children, who may suffer from chronic lead poisoning and its associated severe and irreversible health problems.
Long-term exposure to lead can cause neurological damage, cognitive impairments, developmental delays, kidney damage, and cardiovascular issues. Even low levels of lead exposure are harmful because lead accumulates gradually and affects multiple organ systems[1].
Identifying lead contamination in ground cinnamon like ALB Flavor typically depends on official recalls and alerts rather than visible signs on the product itself. The FDA has recommended a voluntary recall for ALB Flavor ground cinnamon due to potential lead contamination, and the recalled product has been distributed from December 15, 2022, until May 13, 2024, in New York, Connecticut, Michigan, and Massachusetts[3]. The UPC number for the recalled product is "5304000333362" and it has a "best before" date of "30/08/2025" and the lot number "LA02."
For consumers, it is crucial to check for official recall notices or alerts from agencies such as the FDA, local agriculture departments, or consumer protection organizations. These notices often specify brands, lot numbers, and expiration dates of affected products[4]. If a product is recalled, consumers should not consume it and should safely dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for refund or exchange[4].
In addition to the ALB Flavor brand ground cinnamon, other ground cinnamon products were recalled in March 2024. Consumers with questions or concerns can contact ALB-USA Enterprises at 917-922-5627 or 929-431-8505[5].
The FDA states that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure[6]. To report suspected contamination, consumers can contact local or federal food safety authorities, such as the FDA's MedWatch program, state agriculture departments, or consumer protection hotlines.
Monitoring health symptoms, particularly in children, is also important if exposure is suspected. Symptoms consistent with lead poisoning include developmental problems or neurological symptoms[1][4].
The investigation into the cause of the contamination is ongoing, with ALB-USA Enterprises and the FDA currently investigating the matter[7]. Consumers are advised to exercise caution and to rely on official recall information to identify contaminated products and report or return them promptly to minimize exposure[1][4].
Sources: 1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lead poisoning. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20365787 2. FDA Public Health Alert for Additional Ground Cinnamon Product Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead. (2024). https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fda-public-health-alert-additional-ground-cinnamon-product-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead 3. Spice Recall Sparks Warning in Four States. (2024). https://www.abc10.com/news/local-news/spice-recall-sparks-warning-in-four-states/ 4. Consumer Reports. (2021). A Spoonful of Lead: A 10-Year Look at Spices as a Potential Source of Lead Exposure. https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/a-spoonful-of-lead-a-10-year-look-at-spices-as-a-potential-source-of-lead-exposure/ 5. Heartland study finds spices second only to paint for the lead poisoning of children. (2018). https://www.heartland.org/news-opinion/news/study-finds-spices-second-only-to-paint-for-the-lead-poisoning-of-children 6. FDA. (2021). Lead. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/lead 7. FDA. (2024). ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls ALB Flavor Brand Ground Cinnamon Due to Potential Lead Contamination. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/alb-usa-enterprises-inc-voluntarily-recalls-alb-flavor-brand-ground-cinnamon-due-potential-lead
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and aware dietary choices are essential, as potentially contaminated food-and-drink products like the recalled ALB Flavor ground cinnamon can pose severe health risks, such as lead poisoning.
- For those concerned about the nutritional value of their food, it is vital to monitor health-and-wellness updates from reliable sources, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to ensure they are not consuming harmful substances like lead in their science-based diets.
