El Servidor Ground Cinnamon has been recalled due to potential lead contamination. This is the sixth cinnamon product to be recalled since the beginning of June this year, all for the same reason. The recall was initiated by the FDA on August 19th and was sold in stores in New York. Keep reading for more information, including exactly which products is included in this recall and what you should do if you’ve purchased it.
El Servidor Ground Cinnamon Recall
El Servidor Ground Cinnamon, which is produced by the company Gutierrez, has been recalled. The product has been distributed to stores in New York since January 14th of this year. It was sold in a 1.5-ounce clear plastic bag. The plastic bag has labeling with a combination of the American and Mexican flags with red lettering on top reading, "El Servidor Corp" in big letters, and "Servir Es Lo Mejor" in smaller, black letters.
Given cinnamon is not a product generally used up within a short period of time, there is a good chance El Servidor Ground Cinnamon is still living in your pantry or cupboard. It's important to be vigilant in checking to see if you have the recalled product in your home, as the product does contain elevated levels of lead.
Lead Contamination
The recall was initiated after a sample analysis conducted by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM) revealed the product contained elevated levels of lead. Since then, Gutierrez, the manufacturer, has ceased all production and distribution of the product as both the FDA and Gutierrez themselves conduct an investigation to find out what exactly caused this lead contamination.
Lead contamination can be very dangerous, because it can result in long term effects on the body. Short term exposures to low levels of lead generally do not cause any symptoms, and often times the only way to tell if you've been exposed to lead is through a blood test. Long term exposure to lead can affect nearly every bodily system, and while it depends on a number of factors including duration of exposure, age, and body weight, it's possible for permanent damage to the central nervous system to occur. In children, 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.
What You Should Do If You've Purchased Recalled Product
So far, no illnesses have been reported to date in connection to this recall. If you have El Servidor Ground Cinnamon in your home, do not consume it and dispose of it immediately. Alternatively, you can return it to the place of purchased for a full refund. Consumers with any further concerns or questions can contact the company at (973) 777-1851 Monday to Friday 8AM-5PM EST.
This is the sixth cinnamon product to be recalled since the beginning of June, all due to potential or confirmed lead contamination. On August 13th, El Chilar cinnamon products were recalled due to lead contamination from "potentially adulterated raw material from the supplier," according to the FDA. Other recalled cinnamon products include Moran Foods Marcum ground cinnamon. Raja Foods SWAD ground cinnamon, Greenbrier International Supreme Tradition ground cinnamon, American Spices Spice Class ground cinnamon, and La Frontera ground cinnamon.
