FDA food recalls are coming thick and fast at the moment.
Many are related to the deadly listeria outbreak. But there are other equally deadly substances that can end up in food.
Lead poisoning
One brand of spices has been recalled over potential lead contamination.
According to the World Health Organization, symptoms of severe lead poisoning can include coma, convulsions and even death. At a a milder level, symptoms include irritability and fatigue, abdominal pain, headaches and premature birth in pregnant women.
How it Gets Into Food
Trace elements of lead can sometimes be found where plants have absorbed lead through the soil and into their fibres. But there has to be high lead contamination in the soil for that to happen.
It is more common for the machinery used in grinding the spices to contain lead. This can break down in the process and contaminte spices.
Colorants
In spices grown and produced outside of the US, colorants can also be at risk of contamination.
Some manufacturers use lead to brighten up the color of their spices. This is a particular risk in the case of brightly colored spices such as turmeric.
No Pattern
A test of different spices reported by Very Well Health in 2021 showed that there is no pattern to lead and heavy metal contamination in spices.
However, on Wednesday, the FDA announced the recall of one particular ground spice product on account of possible lead contamination.
Colonna Brothers Cinnamon
The recall is for Colonna Brothers Marcum Ground Cinnamon and Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon.
The recall is voluntary after a spot check by the FDA and there are no illnesses as yet reported. There are warnings on the FDA website, however, about the potential consequences of long term exposure to lead.
What the FDA Says
The FDA says that “Colonna Brothers has not violated any Federal laws, regulations, and/or guidelines regarding levels of lead in cinnamon/spice, nor any protocols requiring testing for heavy metals in cinnamon/spice.”
However, they also say “If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur.” This is why the potential contamination of ground cinnamon is taken so seriously.
What to Do
If you have purchased any of the affected products, do not consume them.
Discard the product or return it to the store for a refund, if unopened. If there are any symptoms of possible lead poisoning, visit a healthcare provider immediately.
More General Advice
To avoid the risk of heavy metal contamination in spices, there are a few things you can do.
Where possible, purchase spices produced in the US where the food regulations are rigorous. Don’t bring back spices from overseas and don’t purchase spices from big bulk bins – only the ones in smaller containers.
Number to Call
For anyone concerned or who has questions, there is a number on the FDA website to call.
The number is 201-864-1115 and it is open between 9 – 5 EST.
