Introduction
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health alert regarding the presence of high levels of lead in certain lots of SWAD cinnamon powder. The affected cinnamon was sold in plastic bags with a best before date of July 2026 and March 2026, and was distributed through retail grocery stores in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the United States.
Background
SWAD is a brand owned by Raja Foods LLC, which is located in Skokie, Illinois. The召回通知 was issued after the discovery of lead concentrations in ground cinnamon products during a routine sampling program by the FDA.
##召回详情
The recalled products include:
- SWAD Cinnamon Power in clear plastic 3.5 ounce bags, UPC 0-51179-34280-4
- Batches KX21223 and KX08123, with best before dates of July 2026 and March 2026, respectively.
The specific lots included in the召回 are:
- Batch KX21223, with best before date of July 2026, contains 2.12 ppm of lead.
- Batch KX08123, with best before date of March 2026, contains 2.12 ppm of lead.
Health Risks
According to the FDA, ingesting lead through food can cause severe health hazards, especially for children and pregnant women. Long-term exposure to lead can lead to serious health issues, including brain damage, nerve damage, and肾功能衰竭. The agency advises consumers to immediately stop using and discarding any contaminated products and consult with a healthcare professional if they exhibit any symptoms of lead poisoning.
##召回行动
Raja Foods LLC has initiate a voluntary recall of the affected products and is providing customers with a refund. Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are advised to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Companies that manufactured or distributed the products are also being encouraged to initiate a recall.
##The SWAD cinnamon recall is a timely reminder of the importance of thorough food safety inspections and the role of government agencies in protecting public health. While the risk to most consumers appears low, this recall serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of consuming contaminated food products. It also underscores the need for continuous oversight and regulation to ensure the safety of food products and to prevent future incidents of contamination.