High Levels of Lead Found in 12 Cinnamon and Spice Brands, Consumer Reports Says

What You Need to Know

* Consumer Reports tested 30 cinnamon and spice brands and found high levels of lead in 12 of them. * The highest levels of lead were found in cinnamon sticks from Saigon, Vietnam. * Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a variety of health problems, including brain damage and developmental delays in children.

Why This Matters

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a variety of health problems, including brain damage and developmental delays in children. Even low levels of lead can be harmful, and children are particularly vulnerable to its effects. The Consumer Reports study found that 12 of the 30 cinnamon and spice brands tested contained high levels of lead. The highest levels of lead were found in cinnamon sticks from Saigon, Vietnam. This is a concerning finding, as cinnamon is a common spice used in many foods and beverages. Children are particularly likely to be exposed to lead from cinnamon, as they often eat cinnamon-flavored cereals, oatmeal, and other foods.

What You Can Do

If you are concerned about lead exposure, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk: * Avoid cinnamon sticks from Saigon, Vietnam. * Choose cinnamon powder from Ceylon, Sri Lanka instead. * Limit your intake of cinnamon and other spices. * Wash your hands thoroughly after handling cinnamon or other spices. * If you have children, be sure to monitor their exposure to lead.

Additional Information

For more information on lead poisoning, visit the following websites: * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/鉛/ * Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/lead/ * National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/lead/index.cfm