FDA: Take Action on Dangerous Lead Levels in Cinnamon

 

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Consumer Reports’ latest test results for lead in 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends are troubling: in a third of the products tested, just a quarter-teaspoon had more lead than you should consume in an entire day.

Despite the health risks of lead – which include damage to the brain, reproductive problems, and developmental issues – there still is no national limit for lead and other risky heavy metals in most foods, including spices. Sign our petition demanding the FDA act immediately to set strong limits that protect our health.

PETITION TO FDA

Consumer Reports’ recent tests of cinnamon products detected dangerous levels of lead in one-third of the 36 samples tested. A mere quarter teaspoon of these products contained more lead than any person should consume in an entire day, with particular health concerns for children and pregnant people. 

While your agency has dragged its feet implementing a heavy lead limit on spices,  New York State enforces a limit of 1 part per million, recalling more than 100 spice products due to lead contamination since 2016.  It’s past time the FDA acts to give all Americans the same protections from exposure to this and other dangerous heavy metals. We urge the FDA to immediately adopt a national standard similar to New York’s limits, and protect us from these health risks.