The Bad News: High Lead Levels in Ground Cinnamon
Consumers, beware! A study by Consumer Reports has revealed that 12 ground cinnamon products and spice blends contain lead levels exceeding 1 part per million (ppm). Some brands had even higher concentrations, up to three times that amount. These findings are alarming, especially when considering the potential health risks associated with lead exposure. Most people know that even minimal lead exposure can accumulate over time and pose health risks, particularly for young children and pregnant women.
Cinnamons to Avoid (High Lead Levels)
The following ground cinnamon products were found to contain high levels of lead:
- Paras Cinnamon Powder – 3.52 ppm
- EGN Cinnamon Powder – 2.91 ppm
- Mimi’s Products Ground Cinnamon – 2.03 ppm
- Bowl & Basket Ground Cinnamon – 1.82 ppm
- Rani Brand Ground Cinnamon – 1.39 ppm
- Zara Foods Cinnamon Powder – 1.27 ppm
- Three Rivers Cinnamon Stick Powder – 1.26 ppm
- Yu Yee Brand Five Spice Powder – 1.25 ppm
- BaiLiFeng Five Spice Powder – 1.15 ppm
- Spicy King Five Spices Powder – 1.05 ppm
- Badia Cinnamon Powder – 1.03 ppm
- Deep Cinnamon Powder – 1.02 ppm
The FDA’s Stance: No Federal Limit for Lead in Cinnamon
The FDA has acknowledged the issue, but there is currently no federal limit for lead in cinnamon or other spices. Although the agency has warned consumers to avoid certain ground cinnamon products due to high lead levels, the decision to trigger an alert or recall is made on a case-by-case basis. This lack of clear guidelines leaves consumers wondering about the safety of their cinnamon.
The Good News: Safe Options Exist
On the other hand, the same Consumer Reports study identified six products with minimal lead content. These findings suggest that safe options exist for those who want to enjoy cinnamon without excessive exposure to lead.
Cinnamons You Can Use (“Safe” Lead Levels)
The following products were found to have low or undetectable lead levels:
| Brand | Lead Level (ppm) | Maximum Daily Use (tsp) |
| Happy Belly Ground Cinnamon | 0.87 | Up to ¼ tsp. daily |
| Kirkland Signature Organic Saigon Cinnamon | 0.80 | Up to ¼ tsp. daily |
| Great Value Ground Cinnamon | 0.79 | Up to ¼ tsp. daily |
| Penzeys Ceylon Cinnamon | 0.78 | Up to ¼ tsp. daily |
| Ziyad Brand Premium Seven Spice Blend | 0.73 | Up to ¼ tsp. daily |
| Trader Joe’s Organic Ground Cinnamon | 0.69 | Up to ¼ tsp. daily |
| The Spice Lab Organic Ground Cinnamon | 0.60 | Up to ¼ tsp. daily |
| Morton & Bassett San Francisco Ground Cinnamon | 0.55 | Up to ¼ tsp. daily |
| Penzeys Vietnamese Cinnamon | 0.55 | Up to ¼ tsp. daily |
| Swad Garam Masala Powder | 0.40 | Up to ½ tsp. daily |
| Wei-Chuan Five Spice Powder | 0.36 | Up to ½ tsp. daily |
| Natural Plus Green Five Spices Powder | 0.35 | Up to ½ tsp. daily |
| Abido Spices 7 Mixed Spices | 0.23 | Up to 1 tsp. daily |
| Mccormick Cinnamon | 0.23 | Up to 1 tsp. daily |
The Best to Use: Minimal Lead Levels
The following products were found to have even lower lead levels, making them safer options:
- Sadaf Seven Spice – 0.15 ppm
- 365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon – 0.12 ppm
- Loisa Organic Cinnamon – 0.04 ppm
- Morton & Bassett San Francisco 100% Organic Ground Cinnamon – 0.04 ppm
- Sadaf Cinnamon Powder – 0.04 ppm
- 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon – 0.02 ppm
Is Lead-Laced Cinnamon a National Problem?
While the Consumer Reports study tested products from stores in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and online retailers, it does not confirm that any of the “worst” lead-laced cinnamon is currently on shelves in Iowa, Illinois, or Wisconsin grocers. However, many of the brands tested that were flagged for high lead levels are distributed nationally or sold online. This means there is a reasonable chance that some online shoppers may have purchased the more heavily contaminated products.
Minimizing the Risk
So, what can consumers do to minimize the risk of lead exposure from cinnamon? Choose wisely by sticking to brands shown to have low or undetectable lead levels. Stay informed by monitoring the FDA for safety alerts and recalls, especially for imported spices. Diversify spices to reduce the risk of overexposure from any single source or brand. Limit your use of cinnamon in large quantities unless you’re confident in its safety. While the presence of lead in cinnamon products is concerning, there is a distinction to be made between the trace levels of lead that are naturally occurring in spices and the contamination that occurs through bad practices. By being informed and cautious, you can continue enjoying this classic spice safely. It’s a good time to check your spice cabinet and swap out a few jars.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the presence of lead in cinnamon products is a concern for consumers. While some brands have high lead levels, there are safe options available. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to minimize them, you can enjoy cinnamon while prioritizing your health.