The 2024 Consumer Reports Investigation
In September 2024, the nonprofit organization Consumer Reports released findings from its testing of 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends, including Costco's Kirkland Signature organic Saigon cinnamon. The test results indicated that the Kirkland cinnamon contained 0.80 parts per million (ppm) of lead. Based on this figure, Consumer Reports placed the product in the category of “Okay to Use,” but recommended limiting daily intake to no more than ¼ teaspoon. This level was just below the 1 ppm threshold used by New York state to trigger a recall. By contrast, other brands in the same test showed significantly lower lead levels, with the lowest containing just 0.02 ppm. The discovery followed a separate FDA alert earlier in 2024 concerning several other brands with high lead levels, some of which were traced back to intentional adulteration in applesauce pouches. For spices like cinnamon, however, lead contamination can happen in several ways and cannot be removed once present.
How Lead and Coumarin Contaminate Spices
There are several ways toxic heavy metals like lead can find their way into spices. Lead is a naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust, and cinnamon trees can absorb it from contaminated soil during cultivation. The lead can then become more concentrated during the drying process of the cinnamon bark. Other potential sources of contamination include dust particles settling on crops or contact with unclean processing equipment, storage containers, or packaging. Unfortunately, once lead is present in the spice, there is no way to remove it. Beyond lead, Saigon cinnamon (a type of cassia cinnamon) also contains a natural chemical called coumarin, which can cause liver damage when consumed in large amounts over time. In contrast, Ceylon, or "true" cinnamon, contains significantly lower levels of coumarin.
Comparison: Costco Saigon Cinnamon vs. Alternatives
To help consumers make an informed choice, here is a comparison of Costco's Kirkland Signature organic Saigon cinnamon against other options, based on Consumer Reports' 2024 tests and general knowledge about cinnamon types.
| Feature | Kirkland Signature (Costco) Organic Saigon Cinnamon | 365 Organic Ground Cinnamon (Whole Foods) | Ceylon Cinnamon (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Content | 0.80 ppm (parts per million) | 0.02 ppm | Varies, but often low (e.g., Morton & Bassett showed 0.04 ppm) |
| Coumarin Risk | High Risk (Cassia variety) | Low Risk (Cassia variety, but some brands have lower coumarin) | Very Low Risk (True Cinnamon) |
| Daily Limit (CR Rec.) | No more than ¼ teaspoon daily | Up to 16 teaspoons daily | Safe for regular use due to low coumarin |
| Flavor | Strong, bold, and intense | Standard, sweet, and moderately strong | Milder, more subtle with citrus notes |
Making a Safer Choice for Your Family
For those concerned about heavy metal and coumarin exposure, especially in children, here are actionable steps to reduce your risk:
- Reduce Consumption of Higher-Risk Cinnamons: If you continue using a product like Costco's, strictly adhere to the recommended daily limits provided by Consumer Reports, especially for children. Consider it a special-occasion spice rather than a daily habit, particularly for beverages and breakfast foods.
- Choose Low-Coumarin Options: For daily use, opt for true Ceylon cinnamon (often labeled Cinnamomum verum) which contains negligible coumarin.
- Select Lower-Lead Brands: Refer to test results from organizations like Consumer Reports to identify brands with very low or non-detectable lead levels, such as 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground Cinnamon.
- Vary Your Spice Intake: Reduce cumulative exposure by rotating different spices and foods in your diet. A varied diet can also help ensure you get adequate nutrients that can reduce lead absorption.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with product recalls and safety alerts from the FDA. For instance, following the applesauce recall, the FDA issued warnings for other ground cinnamon products with elevated lead.
For more information on the testing and specific product findings, consult the full Consumer Reports investigation into lead in cinnamon.
Conclusion
While Costco's Kirkland Signature Saigon cinnamon did contain detectable lead in recent testing, it is not considered unsafe for very limited, occasional use according to Consumer Reports. However, for regular consumption or for families with young children, lower-lead alternatives or true Ceylon cinnamon present a significantly safer option by reducing exposure to both lead and high coumarin levels. By being mindful of the type of cinnamon you use and moderating consumption, you can continue to enjoy the flavor of this popular spice with greater peace of mind.
Lists
Checklist for Buying Safer Cinnamon
- Check Labelling: Look specifically for 'Cinnamomum verum' or 'True Ceylon' on the packaging.
- Review Test Results: Reference independent test results from organizations like Consumer Reports to find brands with the lowest heavy metal levels.
- Choose Whole Sticks: Some studies suggest ground cinnamon has higher lead levels than sticks, possibly due to concentration during drying or processing.
- Consider Origin: Be aware that sourcing from countries with less stringent regulations can pose a higher risk, though test results show variability across sources.
- Buy from Reputable Suppliers: Stick with well-known brands or trusted suppliers with transparent testing practices.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
- Brain Damage: Accumulation of lead, even in small amounts, can cause neurological damage.
- Developmental Delays: Children are particularly vulnerable, with exposure linked to developmental issues and lower IQ.
- Organ Failure: High levels of lead can lead to organ failure and death.
- Reproductive Issues: Adults can experience long-term problems like reproductive issues and kidney damage.
- Behavioral Problems: Children's exposure has been linked to learning disabilities and behavior difficulties.
