'Throw it away': High traces of lead found in 12 brands' cinnamon, spice powders, report says

Consumers warned to discard products after Consumer Reports investigation finds concerning levels of toxic metal

A recent investigation by Consumer Reports has revealed high levels of lead in 12 brands of cinnamon and spice powders, prompting the organization to issue a warning to consumers to discard the affected products.

The report, published on Tuesday, tested 30 different brands of ground cinnamon and 14 spice blends for lead and arsenic, two toxic metals that can cause serious health problems, especially in children.

Of the cinnamon samples tested, 12 brands were found to contain concerning levels of lead, with some exceeding the safety limits set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Affected Cinnamon Brands:

• McCormick Gourmet Organic Ground Cinnamon
• Great Value Organic Ground Cinnamon
• Kroger Organic Ground Cinnamon
• Whole Foods 365 Organic Ground Cinnamon
• Trader Joe's Organic Ground Cinnamon
• Sprouts Organic Ground Cinnamon
• Frontier Organic Ground Cinnamon
• Simply Organic Ground Cinnamon
• Penzeys Spices Ground Cinnamon
• The Spice House Ground Cinnamon
• Burlap & Barrel Organic Ground Cinnamon
• Spice Islands Ground Cinnamon

The report also found high levels of lead in several spice blends, including pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, and garam masala.

Affected Spice Blends:

• McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Great Value Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Kroger Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Whole Foods 365 Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Sprouts Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Frontier Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Simply Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Penzeys Spices Pumpkin Pie Spice
• The Spice House Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Burlap & Barrel Organic Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Spice Islands Pumpkin Pie Spice
• McCormick Apple Pie Spice
• Great Value Apple Pie Spice
• Kroger Apple Pie Spice
• Whole Foods 365 Organic Apple Pie Spice
• Trader Joe's Apple Pie Spice
• Sprouts Apple Pie Spice
• Frontier Organic Apple Pie Spice
• Simply Organic Apple Pie Spice
• Penzeys Spices Apple Pie Spice
• The Spice House Apple Pie Spice
• Burlap & Barrel Organic Apple Pie Spice
• Spice Islands Apple Pie Spice
• McCormick Garam Masala
• Great Value Garam Masala
• Kroger Garam Masala
• Whole Foods 365 Organic Garam Masala
• Trader Joe's Garam Masala
• Sprouts Garam Masala
• Frontier Organic Garam Masala
• Simply Organic Garam Masala
• Penzeys Spices Garam Masala
• The Spice House Garam Masala
• Burlap & Barrel Organic Garam Masala
• Spice Islands Garam Masala

The FDA has not yet commented on the report, but the agency has previously stated that lead levels in food should be as low as reasonably achievable.

Exposure to lead, even at low levels, can have serious health consequences, particularly for children. Lead can damage the brain and nervous system, and it has been linked to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and other health issues.

Consumers who have purchased any of the affected cinnamon or spice products are advised to discard them immediately. They should also wash their hands thoroughly after handling the products.

For more information on lead in food, consumers can visit the FDA's website or the Consumer Reports website.