Common kitchen spice contaminated with cancer-causing ingredient being hit by wave of recalls

Cinnamon is quickly becoming one of the most recalled food items in America this year after being found to contain toxic metals linked to cancer.

Earlier this week, El Chilar, LLC, expanded its recall of ‘Canela Molida’ Ground Cinnamon after an investigation found traces of lead, becoming the tenth cinnamon brand to be recalled for containing the toxic metal. 

Officials have warned there is no safe level of lead, as in high doses, it has been linked to behavioral issues, growth problems, and learning difficulties in children, hundreds of whom have been sickened in the past year. 

And in adults, health agencies have classified it as a possible carcinogen. 

The FDA urged Americans to stop using the recalled product and return it to the place of purchase for a refund

It’s unclear exactly why so many cinnamon products contain traces of lead, but the FDA previously said it was investigating if lead was added intentionally for financial gain.  

That could mean an ingredient is added or subtracted from a food to boost its value. For example, compounds like red brick, red lead salt, lead oxide and lead chromate, which mirror cinnamon’s red color, have been added to increase the value of the spice, research shows.

Spices such as turmeric, cinnamon and paprika have been known to be mixed with lead chromate or lead oxide, compounds that mirror the spices’ colors, said Karen Everstine, technical director for FoodchainID, a company that tracks food supply chains.

‘The intent is not to make people sick. Nobody wants to do that because then they get caught,’ Ms Everstine said. ‘What they want to do is make money.’

The latest recall has been expanded from two to six lots, adding an additional 127 boxes, which were sold to retailers in Maryland. 

No illnesses have been reported.

In March, Florida-based El Chilar, LLC recalled two lots of ground cinnamon – codes D-300 EX1024 and F272 EX1026. The recall now includes these additional codes: E-054, EX 0225, D-181, and EX 0624.

The FDA said that while affected products have been pulled from shelves in Maryland, they may still be in consumers’ homes. 

The agency urged those who still have the products to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. 

Lead is a toxic metal that has long been linked to a slew of health issues, including developmental delays and behavioral problems in children. 

Some evidence also suggests that autistic children have more lead in their blood, but the research is mixed. 

Additionally, the EPA has classified lead as a probable human carcinogens, meaning it could cause cancer. 

Last year, WanaBana recalled its apple cinnamon fruit pouches after an investigation found traces of lead linked to poisoning in over 400 children in 44 states. 

There is no safe level of lead consumption, according to the FDA and CDC. 

Short-term exposure to lead can result in symptoms that include headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia. Long-term exposure may lead to additional symptoms, such as lethargy, weight loss, constipation and difficulty breathing.