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By: Naveen Athrappully
Illinois-based Asli Fine Foods is pulling out batches of ground cinnamon from the market after samples showed the presence of lead, according to a company announcement reposted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recalled item, “Asli Cinnamon Powder 7 oz,” comes in a plastic bag with Lot number “DDDLUS” and UPC number 703440150723, said the Aug. 29 recall announcement.
The products were distributed through retail stores in five states—Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio.
“The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services which revealed that the finished products contained lead.” the announcement said.
While lead can affect almost every bodily system, the effect of such exposure depends on factors like age of the person, body weight, and the duration of exposure.
A child exposed to lead for a prolonged period of time could suffer permanent damage to their central nervous system, leading to developmental defects and learning disorders.
Among adults, high lead exposure results in hypertension, neurocognitive effects, and kidney dysfunction. Consumers who have bought the recalled items were urged to return them back to the place of purchase for a full refund.
“It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure. Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure are more likely with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead,” said the announcement.
“The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem,” the announcement said. Customers with queries can contact Asli Fine Foods at 630-739-1599.
The Asli recall is the latest in a series of such withdrawals of cinnamon products from the market in recent months due to concerns about lead contamination.
In March, FDA issued an alert advising consumers to “throw away and not to buy” six cinnamon products. In July, the agency added more cinnamon items to the list, stating that firms have been advised to issue voluntary recalls.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are “no safe levels” for lead in blood. Even low levels of lead can result in learning difficulties and developmental delays, the agency said.
CDC uses a blood reference value of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. The agency estimates that roughly half a million American children have blood lead levels above this value.
“The effects of lead poisoning can be permanent and disabling,” the agency states. “Children younger than 6 years are more likely to be exposed due to their hand-to-mouth behavior. Many children ingest lead dust by putting objects such as toys and dirt in their mouths.”
Sources of lead exposure can include toys, jewelry, candies, some traditional medicines, and water from lead pipes.
A recent report by Consumer Reports (CR) found high levels of lead in two popular brands of organic kids’ snack products—Lesser Evil and Serenity Kids.
“In fact, Lesser Evil’s Lil’ Puffs Intergalactic Voyager Veggie Blend puffs had more lead per serving than any of the 80 baby foods CR has tested since 2017,” the report stated.
Lawmakers have stepped forward to address the issue. In May, Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced the Baby Food Safety Act of 2024.
The bill requires the FDA to implement “scientifically established limits on heavy metals in commercial infant and toddler food.”
