More cinnamon products are being recalled over fears they may be contaminated with high levels of a toxic metal.
The FDA today added Asli brand ground cinnamon to the list, noting that the product contained “elevated levels of lead,” which has been linked to cancer and low IQ.
It is the tenth cinnamon product recalled in the past year for containing too much lead. Lead can enter the spice through soil or factory contamination.
The cinnamon recalls began in October, when officials discovered high levels of lead in cinnamon applesauce bags. Since then, the list has gradually grown.
On Tuesday, El Servidor Corp and Gutierrez brand cinnamon sachets were added to the recall. And earlier this month, ‘Canela Molida’ Ground Cinnamon was also recalled.
It’s unclear why so many cinnamon products contain traces of lead, but the FDA previously said it is investigating whether the substance was intentionally added for financial gain.
In earlier cases, cinnamon bags had red brick, red lead salt, lead oxide and lead chromate (which reflect the red color of the spice) added to enhance the color and thus the value.