Tag: Spice testing

In the fall of 2023, more than 500 children in the U.S. were sickened by lead-contaminated cinnamon applesauce pouches, shining a harsh spotlight on heavy metals in our food supply. This incident has led many consumers to ask a critical question: is cinnamon has lead, even in its unadulterated form? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, involving environmental factors, processing methods, and regulatory gaps.

Following a series of recalls involving lead-tainted cinnamon products, Consumer Reports tested several major spice brands in 2024 to address public safety concerns. These tests revealed that McCormick brand cinnamon was found to contain very low levels of lead, placing it in a mid-tier safety category, far below the worst-offending brands that triggered recalls.

In one investigation, over 40% of spice samples were found to exceed a health department's lead limit, highlighting the significant risk of heavy metal contamination, often from adulteration with lead chromate. This guide will walk you through the complexities of detecting lead in your kitchen staples and proactive measures to protect your health.