Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has written a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf, urging the FDA to investigate the food safety of herbs and spices, particularly cinnamon, due to reports of high levels of lead and heavy metals. Senator Scott expressed concern about the potential risks associated with sourcing food products from untrustworthy countries like Communist China.

The letter references a safety alert issued by the FDA on October 28, 2023, regarding elevated blood lead levels in children. The high lead levels were traced back to cinnamon applesauce pouches, leading to a voluntary recall of the product. The FDA reports that the detected lead levels were 200 times greater than the proposed action level for lead levels in draft guidance for babies and young children.

It is believed that the high lead levels in the cinnamon applesauce pouches were a result of sourcing cinnamon from an Ecuadorian supplier that may have obtained cinnamon from Asian countries, including Communist China. Senator Scott highlighted three potential sources of high lead or heavy metal levels in spices: high levels in the soil the product was grown in, potential contamination in the supply chain during processing, or economically motivated adulteration such as adding lead chromate to increase the product's weight.

The letter also mentions that the FDA is investigating the incident as a case of potential economic adulteration. Senator Scott expressed concern about the vulnerability of the U.S. supply chain and cited previous cases involving Communist China, such as the addition of melamine to infant formula and the use of counterfeit precursor chemicals in the manufacturing of heparin. These incidents resulted in serious health consequences, including kidney failure and deaths.

Senator Scott referred to a 2021 report by Consumer Reports that highlighted the presence of heavy metals in herbs and spices, including cinnamon. The report raised concerns about the oversight of food production in countries where most spices sold in the U.S. are grown, such as China, India, and Vietnam.

In the letter, Senator Scott posed several questions to the FDA, including inquiries about the policies in place to ensure heavy metals are not present in common herbs and spices, the safe level of lead in the food supply, and the investigation into the sourcing of cinnamon from the recalled product. He also asked whether the relevant Ecuadorian authorities are cooperating with the FDA and if the FDA knows where and how the cinnamon was contaminated in the supply chain. Additionally, Senator Scott expressed concern about Communist China's role as a major producer of cinnamon and its history of deception and failing to take responsibility for economically adulterated products.

The letter concludes with a call for prompt action by the FDA to protect the youngest and most vulnerable members of society and ensure access to safe and nutritious food.

In response to Senator Scott's letter, the FDA is expected to address the concerns raised and provide information on the steps being taken to investigate and mitigate the presence of high lead levels in consumer products, particularly herbs and spices.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-rick-scott-to-fda-high-lead-levels-in-consumer-products-must-be-investigated