Consumer Reports, a for-profit enterprise frequently functions as a ‘shadow’ FDA. The publisher recently reported on lead levels in cinnamon powder and spices purchased at retail.  Three samples of each of 36 products were screened.  Twelve brands revealed levels above 1ppm, and 18 brands ranged from 0.23ppm to 0.87ppm.  The World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization consider 2.5ppm as the maximum acceptable level with New York State mandating 1.0ppm as violative, requiring a recall.

Lead is ubiquitous and assay of most foods will disclose a low level such as the 0.04ppm found in one organic cinnamon brand.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers that there is no “safe” level of lead for humans given bioaccumulation over time. The element is highly toxic to children, resulting in blood and brain changes.

The 2023 episode of lead poisoning in children associated with cinnamon-flavored apple sauce has resulted in greater concern for potential toxicity with an increase in assays.  Recently, the FDA aroused from its torpor and listed ten cinnamon products with lead levels approaching 4ppm.  At this time, the FDA has no legal authority to impose a recall although distributors with contaminated products have withdrawn batches from the market mostly over concern of civil litigation or reputational damage.