How Does Lead Get Into Cinnamon Products?
Lead can get into cinnamon in several ways.
Soil pollution from industrial byproducts can further increase lead levels, which may become concentrated during processing.
Photo Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Lead can also enter cinnamon through processing equipment, storage containers, or packaging.
How Common Is Lead Contamination in Cinnamon?
How Should You Choose Cinnamon Products?
Consumers should venture to buy brand-name cinnamon to avoid lead contamination risk, Shumow said.
She also suggested avoiding bringing spices from overseas markets, since those might be more prone to lead contamination.
But what about those touted health benefits of cinnamon?
While cinnamon may support certain health benefits, the evidence remains inconclusive.
Use it in moderation and prioritize safety when selecting products.
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2024;9:e72-e81.
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Food and Drug Administration.Investigation of elevated lead & chromium levels: cinnamon applesauce pouches (November 2023).
Consumer Reports.The 12 cinnamon powders you should never use.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cinnamon.
