How to avoid cinnamon products with potential lead contamination --[Reported by Umva mag]

September 26, 2024 – A Consumer Reports study published in September identified a dozen ground cinnamon products that contained high levels of lead, but experts say there are still ways for people to safely eat the spice.

In a September 20 Health article, experts explained that cinnamon may become contaminated with lead from environmental sources, such as leaded gasoline that seeps into waterways and gets absorbed into cinnamon tree bark, or lead in equipment used to grind up the spice. In addition, Jerold Mande, adjunct professor of nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said in the article that suppliers may intentionally put lead-containing additives in cinnamon in order to increase its weight—which in turn bumps up its sell price.

The article noted that although the FDA regulates spices, there are no federal limits on how much lead or other heavy metals they contain. “Congress doesn’t adequately fund the regulatory agencies that are responsible for assuring the safety of our food,” Mande said.

To avoid potential lead exposure, experts recommended that consumers choose well-known brands that are transparent about food safety and testing. Additionally, whole cinnamon sticks may be less likely to be contaminated compared to ground cinnamon.

Read the Health article: Multiple Reports Have Found Lead in Cinnamon—Is It Still Safe to Eat?

– Jay Lau

Photo: iStock/aga7ta

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