Cinnamon Powder Product Recalled Over Lead Concerns

California-based IHA Beverage of Commerce recalls Super Cinnamon Powder due to high lead levels.

At a Glance

IHA Beverage recalls Super Cinnamon Powder due to elevated lead levels.
FDA has issued alerts for multiple cinnamon products with high lead content.
Consumers are advised to dispose of affected products and not purchase them.
Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, especially in children.
The FDA is working with manufacturers to remove unsafe products and investigate contamination sources.

IHA Beverage Recalls Super Cinnamon Powder

In a concerning development for consumers, California-based IHA Beverage of Commerce has initiated a recall of its Super Cinnamon Powder due to elevated lead concentration levels. This recall is part of a broader issue involving multiple cinnamon products that have been found to contain unsafe levels of lead, prompting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerts.

The recalled product is packaged in 4-ounce clear plastic bags with a red outline and can be identified by the UPC number 610232012476. It was primarily sold in California retail stores, with some distribution across other U.S. states. The recall was initiated following routine sampling by the Arkansas Department of Health, which detected the high lead levels.

IHA Beverage Issues a Voluntary Recall of Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz Because of Lead Contamination https://t.co/YdvguXvImA pic.twitter.com/cLQw8FPuSk

— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) November 19, 2024

FDA Alert on Contaminated Cinnamon Products

The FDA has issued a number of alerts this year concerning several ground cinnamon products containing elevated levels of lead. The agency is taking decisive action to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with these contaminated products.

A public health alert was issued back in July warning about contaminated cinnamon products from companies like La Frontera Imports, Greenbrier International, Inc., Raja Foods LLC and more. The alert was updated most recently earlier this month, when the FDA added IHA Beverage’s Super Brand to the list of affected products. IHA Beverage responded with its voluntary recall on November 18.

Health Risks Associated with Lead Exposure

Lead exposure poses significant health risks, with no safe level of exposure established. The dangers are particularly acute for children, where prolonged exposure can result in permanent damage to the central nervous system, including lowered IQ and developmental defects.

“If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems,” a notice from IHA Beverage said.

For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney issues, high blood pressure, and neurocognitive effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses a blood lead reference value of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with high lead levels, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from even low levels of exposure.

Consumers are strongly advised to dispose of any affected products in their possession and refrain from purchasing these items. Those who have consumed the recalled cinnamon products should monitor their health and consult with a healthcare provider if they have concerns about potential lead exposure. The FDA also encourages consumers to report any adverse events or product quality issues to the agency’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.