A recent analysis by Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization, found high levels of lead in at least 12 cinnamon products.

About 36 cinnamon products were tested, including blends such as garam masala and five-spice powder from various brands available in grocery stores across the US.

Their findings revealed that 12 products including Paras, EGN, Rani Brand and more exceeded the lead limit of 1 part per million (ppm) set by New York, the only US state to regulate heavy metals in spices.

This is especially worrisome because only a quarter teaspoon of these cinnamon products contain more lead than the recommended daily intake.

“Even small amounts of lead pose a risk because, over time, it can accumulate in the body and remain there for years, causing serious health harm,” said James Rogers, director of food safety research at Consumer Reports. Could.”

Lead exposure is especially harmful to children and pregnant women, but poses risks to adults as well.

Due to an outbreak of lead poisoning affecting more than 500 children last year, the source of cinnamon was traced to apple puree sachets, leading the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to warn consumers about 17 ground cinnamon products. had high levels of lead. Harm from regular consumption

Lead exposure is most dangerous for children, as it can harm brain development and cause behavioral and learning problems.

In adults, long-term exposure to lead can cause kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems.

Although the findings are worrying, NGOs have identified several cinnamon products that contain low or undetectable levels of lead.

Among the safest options were 365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon and Loisa Organic Cinnamon. These products demonstrate that it is possible to produce cinnamon with minimal lead contamination.

The investigation also highlighted the challenges of eliminating lead from cinnamon.

Lead is a naturally occurring element in Earth’s soil and plants can absorb it as they grow. Since cinnamon trees take about 10 years to mature, they have a long time to absorb lead from contaminated soil. Lead may concentrate in the spices during the drying process.

According to the organization, most cinnamon sold in the US is imported primarily from countries such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, where regulations may be less stringent around chemical contaminants. Lead can also enter spices through processing equipment and packaging.

Consumers are advised to avoid unfamiliar or smaller brands, especially those sold in international food markets. The report suggests that sticking to well-known brands and products with low lead levels is a safe option.

For people who consume cinnamon regularly, especially in large quantities for its potential health benefits, it is essential to choose brands with minimal lead content.

Rogers suggested consumers throw away produce exceeding safe limits and test their water and other food sources for lead exposure.

The report said that after learning of the results, the two companies with the highest lead levels, Paras and EGN, told the NGO that they would “stop selling their products and asked stores to remove the products from their shelves.” Is.”

Mimi’s products containing the third highest cinnamon powder did not cause any reaction.

The report claimed, “Of the nine other companies with products above 1 ppm, only two responded: Deep and Yu Yi. Both said they tested their own product or relied on their suppliers’ tests.”