PORTLAND, OR -- Health officials in Oregon urge people to check spice cabinets for ground cinnamon that could be contaminated with lead. Consumers should not eat Supreme Tradition ground cinnamon, which was sold in Oregon at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar.

The investigation started back in October, after several brands of cinnamon applesauce were recalled. "The FDA initiated a targeted survey of ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores, and analyzed samples for lead and chromium," says Perry Cabot, with the Multnomah County Health Department, "The lead in the Wanabana Apple Cinnamon Puree was traced back to the cinnamon; so here we are, talking about the cinnamon. In that instance, the investigations determined the lead was likely added to the ground cinnamon, as sort of what we call an adulteration process." Cabot says lead is sometimes added to brighten the color and add to the weight of a product. But, in last fall’s investigation, officials found, "It was added to the cinnamon at quite high levels. The pure cinnamon that was analyzed as part of that investigation had levels of between 2,000 and 5,000 parts per million lead, and that’s extremely high." 

While the ground cinnamon involved in this month's voluntary recall by the FDA didn't show levels that high, Cabot says it should still not be consumed, "If you see that you have that particular brand, I would dispose of it."

He says, "We’ve been in touch with at least two of those locations ourselves, and they are very aware of this issue and we were immediately provided feedback that the product was not available and should not be available at any locations around." But, Supreme Tradition cinnamon has a long shelf-life and may still be in home kitchens. 

Overall, Cabot says shoppers need to be aware some products are at higher risk, "Number one: please be aware that if you’re out searching for ground cinnamon, you should be taking to consideration what we’ve already learned about a number of different products being of concern."

Lead is especially dangerous for babies and toddlers, and parents should contact their doctor if they think their child has been exposed.