‘Distressing phenomenon’: MultCo warns some ground cinnamon brands contain lead

The FDA is calling for some brands to be recalled.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Multnomah County is joining the warning calls as some ground cinnamon products have tested positive for increased lead levels.

The FDA is urging the manufacturers to issue a recall. This includes some products sold by multiple retailers — including Family Dollar and Dollar Tree.

Consumers should look out for the brands La Fiesta, Marcum, MTCL, Swad, Supreme Tradition and El Chilar. Consumers are also urged to check their spice racks and throw away any of the affected products.  

“A pretty distressing phenomenon,” said Parry Cabot, a spokesperson for the Multnomah County Health Department. “We hope to see, you know, future regulations and future scrutiny of the food…coming into our country to prevent these kinds of things from happening.” 

Cabot added that the county has so far not seen any reports of elevated blood lead levels connected with the consumption of these ground cinnamon products. However, he warned parents and caregivers should still be wary about the products as “there is no safe level of lead in the blood for children, and even low levels can have lifelong health impacts.”

Exposure to lead during pregnancy and early childhood could cause harmful neurological effects like learning and behavior disabilities. Tremor, weight loss, irritability, and fatigue are also some of the long-term exposure symptoms. There are some short-term signs, as well, such as headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and anemia. 

More information can be found on Multnomah County’s website.