In the news

On March 06, 2024, the FDA reported that through testing, it had determined that ground cinnamon products might have elevated levels of lead and that prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe. Following the October 2023 recall of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products due to elevated lead levels linked to the cinnamon in those products and the concern for lead toxicity in children, the FDA initiated a targeted survey of ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores and analyzed the samples for lead and chromium.  Based on survey results, the FDA recommends recalls of ground cinnamon from six distributors whose products had elevated lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million (ppm). The products include La Fiesta La Fiesta Food Products La Miranda, CA; Marcum Moran Foods, LLC Saint Ann, MO; MK MTCI Santa Fe Springs, CA; Swad Raja Foods LLC Skokie, IL; Supreme Tradition Greenbriar International, Inc. Chesapeake, VA, and El Chilar El Chilar Apopka, FL. The levels in these products are significantly in these products are lower than the levels of lead associated with, the manufacturer of the apple puree and applesauce products, which were between 2,270 ppm to 5,110 ppm in the cinnamon.  @ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-concerning-certain-cinnamon-products-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

CORE update of March 06, 2024: the CORE list of outbreaks and adverse events includes three activity cases. For the outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to raw cheddar cheese (ref #1215), the advisory has been updated. As of February 28, 2024, a total of 11 confirmed infections have been reported from five states, including CA (4), CO (3), NJ (1), TX (1), and UT (2). WGS analysis of E. coli isolates from ill people shows they are all closely related genetically. Five patients have been hospitalized; two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. No deaths have been reported. In the investigation of elevated lead & chromium levels in cinnamon applesauce pouches (ref #1198), the advisory has been updated. After additional analysis of the cinnamon collected from the manufacturer in Ecuador (Austrofoods), the FDA has confirmed that the lead and chromium previously detected in the cinnamon are from lead chromate. Lead chromate has been illegally added to certain spices, increasing their weight and enhancing their color. The  FDA’s leading hypothesis remains that this was likely an act of economically motivated adulteration. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigations-foodborne-illness-outbreaks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

On February 29, 2024, the FDA reported that after additional analysis of the cinnamon collected from the manufacturer in Ecuador (Austrofoods), the FDA confirmed that the lead and chromium previously detected in the cinnamon are from lead chromate. Historically, lead chromate has been illegally added to certain spices, increasing their weight and color and increasing the adulterated spices’ monetary value. FDA’s leading hypothesis remains that this was likely an act of economically motivated adulteration. The FDA has limited authority over foreign ingredient suppliers who do not directly ship products to the US. This is because their food undergoes further manufacturing/processing before export. Thus, the FDA cannot directly act with Negasmart (the supplier of cinnamon to Austrofoods) or Carlos Aguilera (the processor of the cinnamon sticks). Ecuadorian officials in Agencia Nacional de Regulación, Control y Vigilancia Sanitaria (ARCSA) have reported that Carlos Aguilera of Ecuador is the likely source of contamination and is not currently in operation. A total complaint/adverse Event Report: 90. States with Complaint/Report: AL (1), AR (1), AZ (1), CA (1), CT (1), FL (1), GA (2), IA (1), IL (5), IN (1), KY (3), LA (4), MA (3), MD (7), MI (8), MO (3), NC (6), NE (2), NH (1), NJ (1), NM (1), NY (8), OH (3), OK (1), PA (2), SC (2), TN (3), TX (3), VA (2), WA (4), WI (2), WV (3), Unknown (3) @  https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-elevated-lead-chromium-levels-cinnamon-applesauce-pouches-november-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The FDA reported that Rico Brand of Salt Lake City, Utah, voluntarily recalling Ready-to-eat Enchiladas made with Queso Fresco containing cheese as part of the voluntary recall from Rizo-Lopez Foods, Inc. due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products include Cheese Enchiladas with Red 4/pkg, Cheese Enchiladas with Green 4/pkg, Chicken Enchilada with Rice & Beans/Green, and Chicken Enchilada with Mole, Rice & Beans. Rico Enchiladas were distributed in northern Utah Supermarkets (Smith’s, Harmons, Macey’s The Store, and Fresh Markets). They are packaged in a Deep Meal tray – Plant Fiber – Film 800. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products. @ https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rico-brand-recalls-enchilada-trays-due-possible-listeria-monocytogenes-contamination