Food and Beverage
Cinnamon, spice and ‘everything nice’ – why lead-tainted cinnamon products have turned up on shelves, and what questions consumers should ask
A Consumer Reports investigation revealed alarming lead levels in ground cinnamon, prompting concerns over safety, especially for children and pregnant women.
Last Updated on December 22, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Katarzyna Kordas, University at Buffalo
Spices bring up feelings of comfort, cultural belonging and holidays. They can make our homes smell amazing and our food taste delicious. They can satisfy our cravings, expand our culinary horizons and help us eat things that we might normally dislike. Spices have health-enhancing properties and, in medicine, have been used to heal people since the ancient times.
Recently, however, spices have been getting a bad rep.
In September 2024, Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization created to inform consumers about products sold in the U.S., investigated more than three dozen ground cinnamon products and found that 1 in 3 contained lead levels above 1 part per million, enough to trigger a recall in New York, one U.S. state that has published guidelines for heavy metals in spices.
The Food and Drug Administration issued three alerts throughout 2024, warning consumers about lead in certain brands of cinnamon products. Such notices rightfully put consumers on alert and have people wondering if the spice products they buy are safe – or not. https://www.youtube.com/embed/QxAwznMht8M?wmode=transparent&start=0 A Consumer Reports investigation of more than three dozen ground cinnamon products found that 1 in 3 contain lead levels above 1 part per million.
As an environmental epidemiologist with training in nutritional sciences, I have investigated the relationship between nutritional status, diets and heavy metal exposures in children.
There are several things consumers should be thinking about when it comes to lead – and other heavy metals – in cinnamon.
Why is lead found in cinnamon?
Most people are familiar with cinnamon in two forms – sticks and ground spice. Both come from the dried inner bark of the cinnamon tree, which is harvested after a few years of cultivation. For the U.S. market, cinnamon is largely imported from Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India and China.
One way that lead could accumulate in cinnamon tree bark is when trees are cultivated in contaminated soil. Lead can also be introduced in cinnamon products during processing, such as grinding.
When ground cinnamon is prepared, some producers may add lead compounds intentionally to enhance the weight or color of the product and, thus, fetch a higher sale price. This is known as “food adulteration,” and products with known or suspected adulteration are refused entry into the U.S.
However, in the fall of 2023, approximately 600 cases of elevated blood lead levels in the U.S., defined as levels equal to or above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter – mostly among children – were linked to the consumption of certain brands of cinnamon apple sauce. The levels of lead in cinnamon used to manufacture those products ranged from 2,270 to 5,110 parts per million, indicating food adulteration. The manufacturing plant was investigated by the FDA.
More broadly, spices purchased from vendors in the U.S. have lower lead levels than those sold abroad.
There is some evidence that cinnamon sticks have lower lead levels than ground spice. Lead levels in ground cinnamon sold in the U.S. and analyzed by Consumer Reports ranged from 0.02 to 3.52 parts per million. These levels were at least 1,500 times lower than in the adulterated cinnamon.
There are no federal guidelines for lead or other heavy metals in spices. New York state has proposed even stricter guidelines than its current level of 1 part per million, which would allow the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets to remove products from commerce if lead levels exceed 0.21 parts per million.
What does it mean that ‘the dose makes the poison’?
The current FDA guideline on daily intake of lead from diets overall is to limit lead intake to 2.2 micrograms per day for children. For women of reproductive age, this value is 8.8 micrograms.
The lead dose we are exposed to from foods depends on the level of lead in the food and how much of that food we eat. Higher doses mean more potential harm. The frequency with which we consume foods – meaning daily versus occasionally – also matters.
For spices like cinnamon, the amount and frequency of consumption depends on cultural traditions and personal preference. For many, cinnamon is a seasonal spice; others use it year-round in savory dishes or sauces.
Cinnamon is beloved in baked goods. Take a cinnamon roll recipe calling for 1.5 tablespoons (slightly less than 12 grams) of the spice. If a recipe yields 12 rolls, each will have around 1 gram of cinnamon. In the Consumer Reports investigation, some cinnamon products were classified as “okay to use” or “best to use.”
The highest value of lead in cinnamon products in the “okay to use” category was 0.87 parts per million, and in the “best to use” category, it was 0.15 parts per million. A child would have to consume 2.5 or more rolls made with the “okay to use” cinnamon to exceed the FDA guideline on limiting lead intake from foods to 2.2 micrograms per day, assuming that no other food contained lead. To exceed this guideline with “best to use” cinnamon, a child would have to eat 15 or more rolls.
Can cinnamon contribute to elevated blood lead levels?
Because of lead’s effects on development in early life, the greatest concern is for exposure in young children and pregnant women. Lead is absorbed in the small intestine, where it can latch onto cellular receptors that evolved to carry iron and other metals.
The impact of a contaminated spice on a person’s blood lead level depends on the dose of exposure and the proportion of lead available for intestinal absorption. For several spices, the proportion of available lead was 49%, which means that about half of the lead that is ingested will be absorbed.
Lead absorption is higher after a fast of three hours or more, and skipping breakfast may contribute to higher blood lead levels in children.
People who have nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, also tend to absorb more lead and have higher blood lead levels. This is because our bodies compensate for the deficiency by producing more receptors to capture iron from foods. Lead takes advantage of the additional receptors to enter the body. Young children and pregnant women are at higher risk for developing iron deficiency, so there is good reason for vigilance about lead in the foods they consume.
Studies show that among children with lead poisoning in the U.S., contaminated spices were one of several sources of lead exposure. Studies that estimate blood lead levels from statistical models suggest that consuming 5 micrograms of lead or more from spices daily could substantially contribute to elevated blood lead levels.
For occasional or seasonal consumption, or lower levels of contamination, more research is needed to understand how lead in spices would affect lead levels in the blood.
For people who have other sources of lead in their homes, jobs or hobbies, additional lead from foods or spices may matter more because it adds to the cumulative dose from multiple exposure sources.
How to test for elevated blood lead levels
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children at risk for lead exposure get a blood lead test at 1 and 2 years of age. Older children can also get tested. Finger-prick screening tests are often available in pediatric offices, but results may need to be confirmed in venous blood if the screening result was elevated.
Adults in the U.S. are not routinely tested for lead exposure, but concerned couples who plan on having children should talk to their health care providers.
What to consider when using or buying cinnamon or other spices
If the product is on an FDA Alert or the Consumer Reports “don’t use” list, discard it.
Other questions to consider are:
- Does your household use spices frequently and in large amounts?
- Do young children or pregnant women in your household consume spices?
- Do you typically consume spices on breakfast foods or beverages?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then buy good-quality products, from large, reputable sellers. Think about using cinnamon sticks if possible.
And continue to enjoy spices!
Katarzyna Kordas, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
recipes
Top Tender Chicken with a Creamy Dressing for a Light, Refreshing Meal
On those days when you’re craving something fresh and don’t feel like doing a lot of cooking, salads are the ideal solution. This Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad unites savory, sweet, tangy and creamy flavors in a single bowl.
Top Tender Chicken with a Creamy Dressing for a Light, Refreshing Meal
(Feature Impact) On those days when you’re craving something fresh and don’t feel like doing a lot of cooking, salads are the ideal solution. They’re nutritious, easy to throw together and endlessly customizable so you can make them with the ingredients you have to suit the flavor profiles you prefer.
This Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad unites savory, sweet, tangy and creamy flavors in a single bowl. Crisp lettuce and tender spinach bring leafy green nutrients to the base of each salad. The juicy, slightly charred grilled chicken is seasoned, smoky and a good source of lean protein. Avocado slices, Greek yogurt and olive oil add rich, creamy textures and healthy fats, while cucumbers make each bite refreshing. Apple slices and grapes lend natural sweetness that complement the tangy honey-mustard dressing.
Light enough for lunch but filling enough for dinner, it’s a versatile salad packed with vegetables, fruits, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Make the recipe your own by switching to a different dressing or tossing in bonus toppings like walnuts, dried cranberries or cherry tomatoes. Plant-based home chefs can adapt by swapping to a different protein like tofu, tempeh or chickpeas and using non-dairy yogurt for the dressing.
Find more light yet filling salad solutions by visiting Culinary.net.
Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad
Recipe adapted from Delish
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 romaine hearts, chopped
- 3 cups spinach
- 2 avocados, thinly sliced
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup grapes, halved
Creamy Honey-Dijon Dressing:
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In medium bowl, sprinkle chicken with oregano, coriander and salt and pepper, to taste. Add oil then toss to coat.
- Grill chicken, covered, about 8 minutes per side, until slightly charred and registering 165 F on thermometer inserted into thickest part. Transfer to cutting board, let rest 5 minutes then thinly slice.
- Divide romaine, spinach, avocados, cucumbers, apples and grapes among bowls. Top with chicken.
- To make dressing: Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and serve.
SOURCE:
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
(Feature Impact) Weeknights often feel like a race against the clock. Busy families feel the squeeze from school pickups, homework and social commitments, but dinner remains one of the few opportunities for everyone to slow down, reconnect and share important moments together at the close of a hectic day.
With a little planning and convenient ingredients like Little Potatoes – which come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough that they don’t need to be cut – families can spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table.
For example, The Little Potato Company’s new A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit serves up a favorite flavor in an easy-to-prepare side dish your whole family will love. Simply pop the steamable tray into the microwave for 5 minutes, sprinkle on the included ranch seasoning pack and enjoy without any prep or cleanup.
They’re also a perfect foundation for this easy, all-in-one Sheet Pan Chicken and Little Potatoes recipe. It’s ideal for busy weeknights as a balanced, flavorful meal that requires just 10 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup. Plus, you can customize with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest.
If you’re in search of a simple side dish that can accompany a variety of family favorites, these flavor-filled Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon are a great fit for a backyard barbecue or casual evening with your nearest and dearest.
To find more ways to bring loved ones together at the table throughout the school year, visit LittlePotatoes.com.
Sheet Pan Chicken and Little Potatoes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 1/2 pounds Little Potatoes
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2-3 teaspoons of your favorite seasoning blend
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- lemon wedges (optional)
- Preheat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Slice Little Potatoes in half. Slice broccoli florets, bell pepper and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In mixing bowl, toss veggies with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1-1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning.
- Spread veggies evenly on baking sheet.
- In same bowl, add chicken, remaining seasoning and remaining olive oil. Toss to combine then place chicken between veggies in single layer.
- Roast 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through to internal temperature of 165 F and potatoes are tender. Flip veggies and chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Let chicken rest 2-3 minutes. Divide Little Potatoes, veggies and chicken into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 package maple bacon
- 1/2 pound fresh string beans, washed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 package A Little Homestyle Ranch Microwave Ready Kit
- On stovetop, cook bacon until crispy, reserving 1/4 cup bacon grease. Crumble bacon and set aside.
- In same pan, add fresh string beans, bacon grease, olive oil, garlic powder and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Saute until soft.
- Peel back plastic on potatoes kit and microwave 5 minutes.
- Let potatoes cool 1-2 minutes and spread ranch seasoning over potatoes followed by bacon and string beans.
SOURCE:
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
Foodie News
Taco Bell Turns Back the Clock With Four Fan-Favorite Menu Items
Taco Bell is bringing back four customer favorites with its 2016-inspired Decades Menu: the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Beefy Crunch Burrito, Meximelt and Caramel Apple Empanada. Here is what to know about prices, availability and special rewards offers.
Taco Bell is serving up a taste of 2016 with the nationwide return of four nostalgic favorites, including the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Beefy Crunch Burrito, Meximelt and Caramel Apple Empanada.
The limited-time lineup, officially called the Decades #TBTB Menu, arrived at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide on August 20. It marks the third installment of the chain’s Decades Menu campaign, which brings discontinued and memorable items back for another run.
Four familiar favorites return
Leading the 2016-inspired menu is the Naked Chicken Chalupa. Instead of a traditional tortilla, the item uses a crispy, seasoned all-white-meat chicken shell filled with cheddar cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes and Avocado Ranch Sauce.
The Naked Chicken Chalupa is priced at a suggested $5.99. It is also included in a $9 Discovery Luxe Box with a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, Crunchy Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink.
Also returning is the Beefy Crunch Burrito, a longtime fan favorite filled with seasoned beef, seasoned rice, reduced-fat sour cream, nacho cheese sauce and Flamin’ Hot Fritos. The burrito carries a suggested price of $2.79.
The Meximelt is back as well, combining seasoned beef, pico de gallo and a melted three-cheese blend inside a soft flour tortilla. Its suggested price is $2.99.
For dessert, Taco Bell has revived the Caramel Apple Empanada. The crispy pastry features warm apple pieces and caramel filling and is available for a suggested $2.99.
More than a menu revival
Taco Bell is leaning heavily into mid-2010s nostalgia beyond the food. The company is partnering with Anti Social Social Club, screen-free digital camera company Camp Snap and Divine, a six-second looping video platform inspired by the spirit of Vine.
On August 25, Taco Bell Rewards members will have an opportunity to enter a limited-time Tuesday Drop sweepstakes featuring 500 “2016 Starter Packs.” Each package includes a flannel shirt, cap and Camp Snap point-and-shoot digital camera.
Rewards members can also participate in an in-app scavenger hunt offering exclusive deals over three weeks, with a new offer scheduled each week between August 25 and September 14.
“For decades, Taco Bell has been woven into the lives of our fans, and there’s something special about revisiting the moments and experiences that made 2016 distinctly memorable,” Taco Bell North America Chief Marketing Officer Luis Restrepo said in the company’s announcement.
Available for a limited time
The four returning items are available at participating U.S. Taco Bell restaurants for a limited time and while supplies last. Prices and participation may vary by location, and delivery orders may cost more.
For longtime customers, the promotion offers another opportunity to revisit some familiar flavors. For younger diners, it is a chance to discover why items such as the Beefy Crunch Burrito and Caramel Apple Empanada developed such loyal followings.
Which returning Taco Bell favorite would you order first? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for more food, restaurant and consumer news.
Source: Taco Bell Corp. press release, August 18, 2026.
Taco Bell Newsroom: Taco Bell Brings the 2016 Vibes Back to Fans Nationwide With Decades #TBTB Menu
Related links
- Taco Bell Official Website
- Taco Bell Rewards Program
- Taco Bell Mobile App
- Taco Bell Rewards Drops
- Divine Announces Public Launch and Taco Bell Collaboration
🍽️ Love discovering great food and drink? Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for the latest recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and culinary stories delivered straight to your inbox.
