The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert for New Yorkers about specific brands of ground cinnamon found to contain dangerously high levels of lead. This warning, announced by the New York State Department of Health and State Department of Agriculture and Markets, follows a recall of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products in October 2023, leading to further investigations and testing by the FDA. Affected brands include La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chilar, with these products being distributed by retailers such as Save A Lot, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar across New York and potentially nationwide.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has urged families to dispose of any products listed in the FDA’s alert and advised contacting healthcare providers if symptoms of lead toxicity are present. The state is also coordinating with retail food establishments to remove the contaminated products from shelves, prioritizing consumer safety and public health.
For those in possession of the affected ground cinnamon, immediate disposal is recommended, along with monitoring for any symptoms related to lead exposure. This incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance regarding food safety and the importance of regulatory agencies in protecting public health.
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