Three more companies have announced recalls of ground cinnamon products due to potential lead contamination. American Spices, LLC, based in Ozone Park, NY, Advance Food International, Inc., based in Maspeth, NY, and ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc., of Bronx, NY have each initiated voluntary recalls in the past few days. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children.
Background
- American Spices, LLC
- Testing by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM) uncovered elevated levels of lead in their Spice Class-brand ground cinnamon
- The affected cinnamon was distributed to retailers in the New York City area between December 1, 2023 and May 15, 2024. The company said it was not sold online.
- Production of the affected product has been halted while the company and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigate the source of the contamination.
- Advance Food International, Inc.
- Testing by NYSAGM also uncovered elevated levels of lead in their Shahzada brand cinnamon powder
- The affected cinnamon was distributed to retailers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachussetts between December 1, 2024 and May 24, 2024.
- Production of the affected product has been halted while the company and the FDA investigate the source of the contamination.
- ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc.
- Testing by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) uncovered elevated levels of lead in their ALB Flavor-brand ground cinnamon.
- The affected cinnamon was distributed to retailers in New York, Connecticut, Michigan, and Massachusetts between December 15, 2022 and May 13, 2024.
- The company has halted the importation and distribution of the affected products while the company and the FDA investigate the source of the contamination.
Product Details
- American Spices, LLC
- Product Name – Spice Class Ground Cinnamon
- Size – 7 oz and 11 oz
- Packaging – PET jars
- Expiration Date – 12/2026
- Advance Food International, Inc.
- Product Name – Shahzada Cinnamon Powder
- Size – 7 oz
- Packaging – Plastic bag
- ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc.
- Product Name – ALB Flavor Ground Cinnamon
- Size – 100 grams
- Packaging – Plastic bag in brown carton
- UPC – 5304000333362
- Best Before Date – 30/08/2025
- Lot Number – LA02
Consumer Action
- Consumers with any of the recalled items are advised to dispose of the product or return it to the point of purchase for a refund
- American Spices, LLC
- Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the company at 917-532-6768.
- Advance Food International, Inc.
- Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the company at 718-482-0123.
- ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc.
- Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the company at 917-922-5627 or 929-431-8505 from Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.
Health Risks
Elevation in lead can lead directly to decreased cognitive function, reduced IQ, difficulty in problem solving, reduced or stunted brain development or reduced neuroplasticity. Children are particularly vulnerable because their bodies absorb lead more readily than adults. As a result, elevations in anger, drug use, and even violent crime have been identified in those who suffer lead poisoning during formative years.
Commenting on this article, one national lead poisoning lawyer said, “Lead poisoning is extremely dangerous for children, some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Any consumer who believes their child has been unnecessarily exposed to lead from tainted food products should contact an attorney to discuss their rights.”
