The FDA continues it’s investigation into lead-contaminated ground cinnamon, and is asking buyers of the product sold under six brand names, widely sold at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores but many other retail outlets as well, to throw out ground cinnamon if bottles show these labels: La Fiesta. Marcum, MK, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, or El Chilar.
A link to the FDA recall/information site regarding these products and listing all known locations where they have been sold furthers the information: https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead
High levels of lead can lead to developmental disabilities, lower intelligence via IQ testing numbers, and behavioral issues. The damage is considered all or mostly irreversible. Children are particularly at risk for several reasons; initially, it was lead-contaminated cinnamon used in applesauce and apple puree products targeted for children that caused the FDA investigation. So far, it’s believed the lead contamination is coming from at least one source in Ecuador, though the probe is not completed.
The FDA advises all consumers to stop using and immediately throw out these particular ground cinnamon products. Further, because containers of cinnamon may sit in cabinets of homes for years, the FDA is asking consumers to look for these labels in order to permanently discard them. Most people have no obvious or immediate symptoms of lead exposure.