Tracking Lead in Cinnamon: The Root Cause of Spice Contamination

Spices like cinnamon are beloved kitchen staples, but recent studies reveal a hidden risk: lead contamination. In 2021, research showed that over one-third of spices tested, including cinnamon, contained high levels of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which pose serious health risks^[1]. An FDA report from 2022 further found that some cinnamon products exceeded safe lead thresholds, with lead levels especially concerning for children due to their heightened vulnerability to neurotoxic effects^[2].

Where Does the Lead Come From?

The journey from farm to table reveals several sources of lead contamination:

• Cross-Contamination: Heavy metals can spread between batches in facilities that handle multiple products without proper cleaning protocols^[4].
  
  
• Inadequate Regulatory Enforcement: Insufficient oversight in certain areas allows contaminated spices to enter global markets without adequate screening^[4].
  
  
• Soil Contamination: Industrial pollution and the legacy of leaded gasoline have left high levels of lead in soil, which plants absorb through their roots, eventually ending up in spices^[4].
  
  
• Water Contamination: Contaminated irrigation water from industrial discharge or lead-containing pipes can introduce lead directly into plants during cultivation^[4].
  
  
• Processing and Adulteration: In some regions, lead-based compounds are illegally added to intensify spice color, making them look more vibrant but unsafe. While this is often seen in turmeric and chili powder, cinnamon is also at risk^[4]

FDA Import Alert 99-19: Protecting Consumers

The Import Alert 99-19 issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the relevant Detention Without Physical Examination (DWPE) notice related to heavy metal contamination in food products, including spices. This alert identifies and detains imported food products containing unsafe heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury^[3].

• Purpose: To protect consumers from food products, including spices, that contain harmful levels of heavy metals.
  
  
• DWPE: Products listed under this alert are subject to automatic detention without physical examination. Importers must prove their products are compliant before being released into U.S. commerce.
  
  
• Scope: While this alert applies broadly to foods that could be contaminated with heavy metals, it includes specific spices and products where contamination has been historically high.

What Triggers Inclusion Under This Alert:

• Laboratory Findings: Spices or food products found to contain lead levels exceeding safe limits (often defined by the FDA or other regulatory bodies) may be included in the DWPE list under Import Alert 99-19^[3].
  
  
• Adulteration Practices: Spices intentionally adulterated with lead-based compounds to enhance appearance are prime candidates for detention.

• Testing: Importers must test their products for heavy metals, including lead, before shipping them to the U.S.
  
  
• Compliance: If detained, importers must provide evidence of corrective actions, such as sourcing from non-contaminated regions or improving processing practices to avoid lead contamination.

The Role of Mérieux NutriSciences in Ensuring Safe Imports 

At Mérieux NutriSciences (MxNS), our Global Entry and Spice services assist spice importers in meeting the FDA’s rigorous standards. Through accredited testing and verification, we help ensure that spices pass all necessary quality checks before hitting store shelves, protecting consumers and companies from potential health risks and costly delays. By connecting importers with our accredited labs, we work to keep these hidden hazards out of your pantry.

By partnering with our labs, MxNS keeps hidden hazards out of your pantry and safeguards public health as the demand for spices grows, and so does its importance.

References

[1] Consumer Reports. (2024, March 15). Your herbs and spices might contain arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/your-herbs-and-spices-might-contain-arsenic-cadmium-and-lead-a6246621494/ 

[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2024, March 15). Post-incident response activities: Elevated lead and chromium levels in cinnamon applesauce pouches. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/post-incident-response-activities-elevated-lead-and-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches 

[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (n.d.). Import alert 1167: Spices and herbs - contamination with lead or other heavy metals. FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_1167.html  

[4] Washington Post. (2024, March 15). Lead, spices, and cinnamon contamination: What you need to know. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/03/15/lead-spices-cinnamon-contamination/