The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a health alert regarding high levels of lead found in ground cinnamon products, specifically identifying El Servidor as a contaminated brand.

In response to the contamination, the FDA has requested the distributor to recall the affected product, which was sold at a supermarket in New York City.

Since October 2023, the FDA has alerted consumers about at least ten cinnamon products contaminated with lead, expanding its warnings to include various brands.

Affected brands include El Servidor, La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chilar, with lead levels in El Servidor reaching 20 parts per million (PPM).

Some cinnamon in WanaBana-brand pouches was reported to have lead levels as high as 5,110 PPM, far exceeding safe limits.

While the FDA has not set a specific lead limit for spices, the European Union restricts cinnamon sales to a maximum of 2 PPM of lead.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that there is no safe level of lead exposure, particularly for children under six years old.

Young children are especially vulnerable to lead toxicity, which can lead to serious developmental issues, including learning disabilities.

Short-term lead exposure can cause symptoms such as headaches and abdominal pain, while long-term exposure may result in irritability and concentration difficulties.

Although no illnesses have been reported related to this cinnamon product, the FDA advises consumers to dispose of it immediately.

This alert adds to previous warnings about lead contamination in food products, including fruit purees sold at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, where lead levels ranged from 2.03 to 3.4 PPM.

Lead exposure poses serious health risks globally, including in the U.S., despite ongoing efforts to minimize contact with this toxic element.