Lead Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, April 5, 2024

Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted information about the recall of Cinnamon Ground by a business in the Los Angeles area. The recall occurred because the product has the potential to be contaminated with lead.

The cinnamon was distributed in Arizona, California, Texas and Washington through distributors to retail stores. Consumers who have purchased the product are advised to dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for refund.

The recall notice warns:

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. Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure are more likely with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead. While lead can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age/body weight. 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. For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects.

“A number of products containing cinnamon have been part of a series of recalls this year impacting consumers and companies all across the United States,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “In this instance, the company became aware of the issue after the FDA collected samples of the product and laboratory analysis revealed elevated concentrations of lead.”

Dedicated to helping food manufacturers, processors, importers and distributors test for lead, and other chemical or microbial contaminants, are the food scientists at LA Testing. With multiple laboratory locations in California, they offer food, beverage and product testing services. This form of testing can be instrumental for safeguarding the public from needless exposure risks and for protecting companies from the high costs associated with product recalls.

To learn more about food, beverage and product testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.