Lead contamination detected in another batch of spices causing a recall
In recent news, concerns regarding potential lead contamination in ALB Flavor brand Ground Cinnamon have arisen, although no specific FDA recall or investigation on this brand has been documented.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been actively investigating lead contamination in cinnamon-containing products as part of broader food safety concerns. For example, the FDA conducted an extensive investigation into cinnamon used in certain applesauce pouches that were recalled due to lead contamination, indicating a presence of unsafe lead levels in spice-containing products.
The FDA has also ongoing assessments and issued safety communications about elevated lead levels in apple cinnamon puree products and actions to enhance chemical safety in food ingredients including spices. However, no specific recall involving ALB Flavor brand Ground Cinnamon was identified in the FDA or news reports. Other spice recalls noted were due to Salmonella contamination or unrelated contaminants like plastic.
On July 25, 2024, the FDA recommended a voluntary recall of ALB Flavor brand Ground Cinnamon due to potential lead contamination. The UPC number "5304000333362" and a "best before" date of "30/08/2025" are found on the packaging, along with the lot number "LA02."
Chronic lead exposure can cause permanent damage to a child's central nervous system and kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects in adults. Lead ingestion from contaminated food products like spices poses well-known risks, especially to children and pregnant women, including neurological damage, developmental delays, and other systemic toxicities.
If you suspect lead exposure, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider. Consumers are advised to stop using the product, dispose of it immediately, and not eat, sell, or serve it. To report a complaint or adverse event, consumers can call an FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator, complete an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online, or complete a paper Voluntary MedWatch form and mail it to the FDA.
For updates after August 2025, it is recommended to consult the FDA’s official recall database or to contact the FDA directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Meanwhile, it is essential to be vigilant about the products we consume and to follow the FDA’s guidelines for food safety. If you have any questions or concerns, ALB-USA Enterprises can be contacted at 917-922-5627 or 929-431-8505.
Editor's note: EDTA chelation therapy was developed originally to remove lead and other contaminants from the body. Research from 2018 identified chili powder, cumin, coriander, anise, turmeric, and vanilla as spices that could contain higher amounts of lead.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been proactively investigating lead contamination in various spices as part of broader health-and-wellness concerns. For instance, the FDA has issued safety communications about elevated lead levels in apple cinnamon puree products and is advocating for chemical safety in food ingredients. On July 25, 2024, ALB Flavor brand Ground Cinnamon was voluntarily recalled due to potential lead contamination, making it crucial for consumers to exercise nutritional vigilance when choosing food-and-drink products.
