The 2024 Consumer Reports Investigation
Prompted by an applesauce recall linked to lead-contaminated cinnamon, Consumer Reports tested 36 cinnamon powders and spice blends in September 2024. The investigation found lead in many products, with varying levels of concern. Specifically, Kirkland Signature Organic Saigon Cinnamon was found to contain 0.80 ppm of lead. This level, while not high enough to trigger the 1 ppm recall threshold in New York State, was categorized as requiring a consumption advisory. Consumer Reports recommended that individuals limit their daily intake of this product to no more than ¼ teaspoon. The findings highlighted a widespread issue with lead in ground cinnamon that extends beyond the products initially recalled by the FDA.
Comparison with Lower-Lead Options
For context, the Consumer Reports study also identified several brands with much lower lead levels, demonstrating that producing cinnamon with minimal heavy metals is possible. Some of the brands with the lowest levels included 365 Whole Foods Market and Sadaf. These findings underscore the importance of brand transparency and stringent testing protocols in the spice industry.
FDA Recalls and Regulations
It's important to distinguish the Consumer Reports advisory from the official FDA public health alerts and recalls issued throughout 2024 and 2025. The FDA recalls were issued for specific brands with much higher lead concentrations, in many cases exceeding 2 ppm and even reaching 20 ppm in one instance, which is far greater than the level found in Kirkland's product. Kirkland ground cinnamon has not been included in these FDA recalls.
Unlike New York, which sets a 1 ppm limit for lead in spices, there is currently no federal limit for heavy metals in spices in the United States. The FDA uses its authority to take action on a case-by-case basis when it determines levels are excessive and pose a health risk. This regulatory gap contributes to the variance in lead levels found across different spice brands.
Why Does Lead End Up in Cinnamon?
Lead is a naturally occurring element present in the Earth's crust, meaning any natural product like cinnamon can absorb trace amounts from the soil or groundwater. The long lifespan of cinnamon trees (around 10 years) provides ample time for lead absorption. Contamination can also occur during processing and drying, or from machinery and packaging materials. Once present, lead cannot be removed from the finished product.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
According to experts and the EPA, no level of lead exposure is considered safe. Chronic or long-term exposure, even to low levels, can be harmful, with lead accumulating in the body over time. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including young children and pregnant women, as lead can cause neurological and developmental problems. In adults, long-term lead exposure is linked to issues such as kidney damage, reproductive issues, and high blood pressure.
Comparing Cinnamon Brands for Lead Content
The table below highlights the lead levels found in various cinnamon products during the September 2024 Consumer Reports investigation, contrasting Kirkland's findings with those of both higher-risk and lower-risk brands.
| Brand | Product | Lead Level (ppm) | CR Advisory | FDA Recall List |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature | Organic Saigon Cinnamon | 0.80 | Limit to ¼ tsp daily | No |
| Supreme Tradition | Ground Cinnamon (Dollar Tree) | >1.0 | Avoid (New York recall) | Yes |
| Jiva Organics | Ground Cinnamon | >2.0 | Avoid (FDA alert) | Yes |
| 365 Whole Foods Market | Organic Ground Cinnamon | 0.02 | Safe for high use | No |
| Sadaf | Cinnamon Powder | 0.04 | Safe for high use | No |
What Consumers Can Do to Reduce Risk
- Practice Moderation: If you choose to use Kirkland Signature Organic Saigon Cinnamon, follow the Consumer Reports advisory and limit your intake to a ¼ teaspoon per day to minimize potential exposure.
- Choose Lower-Risk Alternatives: Consider switching to brands that were found to have very low or undetectable levels of lead in the Consumer Reports tests, such as 365 Whole Foods Market or Sadaf.
- Vary Your Diet: The FDA recommends eating a varied diet to avoid overconsumption of potential contaminants from a single food source.
- Consider Whole Cinnamon Sticks: Contamination is most prevalent in ground cinnamon. Whole cinnamon sticks are less processed and considered a safer alternative. You can grind them yourself for fresh powder.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with FDA public health alerts and advisories regarding food safety. Consumer Reports also provides valuable information.
Conclusion: Navigating Cinnamon Safety
While Kirkland Signature Organic Saigon Cinnamon contains elevated levels of lead according to a 2024 Consumer Reports investigation, it has not been subject to the same FDA recalls as other brands with significantly higher contamination. The presence of lead, however, even at low levels, presents a health concern, especially with long-term exposure. Consumers are encouraged to be mindful of their consumption, consider lower-risk alternatives, and stay informed on regulatory developments. The situation underscores the broader need for stricter federal guidelines for heavy metals in spices to better protect public health.
