WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health alert advising consumers to discard and avoid purchasing El Servidor brand ground cinnamon. This product, distributed by El Servidor Corp of Elmhurst, NY, contains elevated levels of lead, posing a risk to consumers.
Affected Products
Tests conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, confirmed by the FDA, revealed that the ground cinnamon product listed below contains unsafe levels of lead:
- Distributor: El Servidor Corp, Elmhurst, NY
- Retailer: Mannan Supermarket, Inc.
- Brand: El Servidor
- Lead Concentration: 20 ppm
The FDA has recommended that El Servidor Corp voluntarily recall the product. The alert is part of ongoing efforts to monitor and reduce heavy metal exposure in foods, particularly those consumed by children.
Health Risks
Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for young children and can result in severe health issues. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms like headaches, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Prolonged exposure can lead to more serious conditions such as irritability, lethargy, muscle weakness, and cognitive impairments.
Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, emphasized the importance of reducing dietary exposure to heavy metals. “Reducing dietary exposure to lead and other heavy metals among babies and young children is one of the top priorities of the human foods program and something we will continue to work on through the Closer to Zero initiative,” Jones stated.
Consumer Guidance
Consumers are advised to stop using and dispose of the affected ground cinnamon. This product may have a long shelf life, so it is crucial to check pantries and discard any items from this brand. If there is suspicion of lead exposure, individuals should consult their healthcare provider.
FDA Actions and Recommendations
The FDA continues to analyze cinnamon and other spices for heavy metal contamination. The agency advises both domestic and foreign food suppliers to voluntarily test their products to ensure they are safe for consumption.
Ground cinnamon, while not typically targeted at young children, is used in many foods that children consume. Ensuring its safety is vital to protecting public health.
Protecting Consumers from Lead Exposure
The FDA’s public health alert aims to remove unsafe products from the market and safeguard consumers, especially young children, from the harmful effects of lead exposure. The agency will continue to monitor and update the public as necessary to ensure food safety.
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