Cinnamon is a popular spice that’s used in both sweet and savory foods for its distinctive sweet flavor. While it’s a spice that’s harvested from nature, it still goes through processing like any other foodstuff. This processing step opens cinnamon to contamination risks, which can be dangerous for consumers.
The FDA has issued a recall for six cinnamon products over such contamination risks. According to the agency, the six products potentially have traces of lead. The FDA has recommended that the manufacturers of the recalled products voluntarily recall them, but one has not responded to the notification.
So far, officials have not received reports of illnesses related to the potentially poisoned cinnamon. However, experts have drawn comparisons between this contamination issue and one late last year involving cinnamon-flavored applesauce products marketed to kids that also potentially had lead. That earlier lead contamination issue led to about 468 cases of individuals with elevated blood lead levels across 44 states.
The dangers of lead consumption
Lead exposure can result in a variety of health issues, particularly for young children and pregnant women. It can cause developmental delays, abdominal pain, and neurological changes and can even affect the kidneys and blood. There’s no safe level of lead in the bloodstream, and it’s particularly dangerous because symptoms might not manifest until significant damage has occurred.
Your legal rights after exposure
If you or a loved one has consumed cinnamon products affected by this recall, you may be able to seek compensation under Georgia law. Product liability law covers instances where consumers are harmed by unsafe products.
You must prove the product was defective and caused injury to claim compensation. A successful product liability claim could cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It’s crucial to keep any evidence of the product and its effects.
Product liability lawsuits aren’t easy. On top of ensuring you have enough evidence to prove you’ve suffered due to a product defect, you may need to confront the manufacturer in court, which can be an intimidating experience. A legal professional may be able to review your case and represent you in court should your situation escalate.
