A recent Consumer Reports investigation has revealed alarming levels of lead contamination in several cinnamon products on the market. This discovery comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny, as authorities push for stronger legislation to address heavy metals in consumer foods.
In a batch of 36 cinnamon samples tested, a third were found to contain levels of lead considered unsafe. The finding has reignited concerns about metal contaminants in food, especially after incidents last year in which children were adversely affected by lead in cinnamon-flavored applesauce.
Consumer Reports tested various cinnamon products purchased from discount and ethnic retailers. The results showed lead concentrations of 3.5 parts per million. In contrast, New York, known for its stringent safety standards, requires the recall of any spice, including curry powder, chili powder, and cumin powder, that contains more than 1 part per million of lead.
The organization has recommended discarding products that exceed this safety threshold to prevent potential health risks. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in food safety regulation and underscores the urgent need for tighter controls on food contaminants.
