Cinnamon powder contaminated with lead. The problem this time concerns the American market but should not be underestimated in Italy too, given that the spices mainly come from non-EU countries
The spiceslike many other food products, can be contaminated with dangerous substances, including pesticides and heavy metals. A recent case of contamination concerns the ground cinnamonwith the recall of a specific product in the United States.
This is the 4 ounce Super Cinnamon Powder, coming from China but packaged by IHA Beverage of Commerce, California, which was withdrawn from the market after internal tests found high lead levels.
The company has launched investigations to determine the cause of the contamination and at this time no health problems have been reported related to the consumption of the product, although it is known that the accumulation of lead in the body can pose a health risk not in the short but in the long term.
The product was distributed primarily in California and other retail stores in the United States, but
The story, however, only apparently does not concern us. Even in Italy, in fact, much of the cinnamon and spices come from countries such as China, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, where crops can be subject to contamination by heavy metals such as lead and pesticides.
Lead contamination: a health risk
Lead is a dangerous substance for human health, especially for children, which can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, learning disabilities, developmental defects and other long-term problems.
Adults, however, if exposed chronically, can suffer from kidney dysfunction, hypertension and neurocognitive problems.
While exposures to low concentrations of lead may not cause immediate symptoms, it is critical to carefully monitor what we purchase (to the extent possible).
