The recall is applicable to 8 oz. cinnamon powder packaged in a square plastic bottle with UPC number 0 20914 81415 9. The items were distributed via various supermarkets nationwide and have a “Best By” date of Sept. 2.
“Short-term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure. Exposure to extremely high amounts of lead may result in overt and possibly severe symptoms for which an individual is likely to seek medical attention,” the company said.
“If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months), permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems.”
Among adults, acute lead poisoning can result in vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, weight loss, bloody urine, and diarrhea, the company added.
Chronic exposure may lead to kidney dysfunction, neurocognitive effects, and hypertension in adults. If ingested in enough quantities, the individual may suffer damage to the kidneys or brain.
The company clarified that no illnesses or injuries have been reported by customers so far. The recall was initiated after an FDA test of product samples identified elevated lead levels.
“The firm’s investigation indicates the problem might be caused by potentially adulterated raw material from the supplier or natural lead concentration in Cinnamon and its powder,” the announcement stated.
The Epoch Times reached out to Haitai for comment, and did not receive a response by publication time.
The original alert on lead contamination was issued on July 30. As of Oct. 10, 16 distributors have issued recalls for cinnamon products, including Haitai’s offering.
The FDA is advising customers not to buy these ground cinnamon products and to throw them away if they have already been purchased.
“These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes and discard these products,” the agency said.
“If there’s suspicion that someone has been exposed to elevated levels of lead, talk to your healthcare provider. Most people have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure.”
Multiple other products have been recalled over the past months due to lead contamination.
“The health effects of exposure are more harmful to children less than six years of age. Younger children’s bodies are still developing and growing rapidly,” the agency said.
“Young children also tend to put their hands or other objects, which may be contaminated with lead dust, into their mouths. This makes them more likely to be exposed to lead than older children.”
“Infant formula is essential for parents feeding their newborns, regardless of whether the formula is used exclusively or as a supplement,” the letters said.
“Children are simply precious. They’re everything to us. Their safety and well-being, including the safety of formula consumed by infants, are our highest concerns.”
