Two more companies have joined a growing list of businesses that have issued recalls of ground cinnamon due to elevated levels of lead. El Chilar HF, LLC, based in Apopka, Florida and Gutierrez Distributor, based in Passaic, New Jersey have each initiated voluntary recalls in the last week. Lead is a neurotoxin that can affect nearly every system in the human body and is especially dangerous for young children.
Background
- El Chilar HF, LLC
- This is an expansion of a recall first announced on March 6, 2024.
- Testing by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) in February 2024 uncovered elevated levels of lead in certain lots of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon.
- The affected product was distributed to retail locations throughout Maryland by La Raza LLC.
- Gutierrez Distributor
- Routine sampling conducted by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM) uncovered elevated levels of lead in the product.
- The affected product was distributed to retail stores in New York beginning January 14, 2024.
Product Details
- El Chilar HF, LLC
- Product Name – El Chilar Canela Molida Ground Cinnamon
- Size – 1.25 oz
- Packaging – Clear plastic bag
- Lot Numbers
- Initial Recall – D300 EX1024, F272 EX1026
- Expanded Recall – EX 0225, E-054, D-181, EX 0624
- Gutierrez Distributor
- Product Name – El Servidor Corp Canela Molida Ground Cinnamon
- Size – 1.5 oz
- Packaging – Clear plastic bag
Consumer Action
- All recalled items have been removed from distribution and retail sale but may still be in consumer’s homes.
- As with all recalled food products, consumers are strongly urged to stop use of the products even if it looks or smells safe to eat.
- 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.
- El Chilar HF, LLC
- Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the company at 407-880-6007 from Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Standard Time.
- Gutierrez Distributor
- Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the company at 973-777-1851 from Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Eastern Standard Time.
Health Risks
Both companies said that no injuries or illnesses related to the recalled products have been reported. However, consumers who have been exposed to the recalled items, and are experiencing illness, should contact their medical provider immediately.
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.
Food Poisoning News has previously reported this year on the widespread discovery of lead in ground cinnamon from a number of brands due to elevated levels of lead:
- Colonna Brothers expanded recall of ground cinnamon products
- New York-based American Spices, LLC, Advance Food International, Inc., and ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc. each recall ground cinnamon products
- Raja Foods recall of its Swad-brand cinnamon powder
While few, if any, illnesses were reported in connection with the above recalled products, the same cannot be said of the WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches that were first recalled in October of last year.
Targeted at children, sold across the United States at a number of retail outlets, and produced in Ecuador, the food was initially recalled after four injuries were reported in connection with the product. Testing by two North Carolina agencies uncovered elevated levels of lead that could be toxic to children.
Two weeks later, the number of injuries linked to consumption of the affected WanaBana applesauce products had risen to 22 people. As of early April 2024, litigation began to ramp up and at least 137 individuals had filed suit against WanaBana, as well as one of the retail outlets, Dollar Tree, which is believed to have sold the majority of the contaminated product.
Commenting on this article, one national lead poisoning lawyer said, “I strongly urge any consumer in possession of any recalled cinnamon products to stop using it and either throw it away or return it to the store. Lead exposure to children can lead to severe side effects and lifelong injuries.”
