The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a recall involving ground cinnamon products found to contain unsafe levels of lead. The alert now covers 16 brands sold across various U.S. retailers. Consumers are urged to check their homes and discard any of the affected products immediately.
Ongoing Investigation into Cinnamon Contamination
The recall initially began in 2023 following the discovery of lead contamination in cinnamon used in children’s applesauce pouches. The FDA issued its first consumer warning in July 2024. Since then, extensive testing has revealed additional ground cinnamon products with concerning lead levels. The latest update, announced on 10 October 2025, adds new brands to the recall list.
The FDA stated, “Based on the FDA’s assessment, prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe and could contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood.” Lead is a toxic metal that can cause health problems even in small amounts. Its presence in food poses significant risks, especially to children.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead exposure can cause serious health effects. Long-term exposure may result in neurological issues, including learning disabilities, behavioural problems, and reduced IQ in children. The FDA highlighted that “children are more vulnerable to the dangerous effects” of lead. Adults may also face risks from consuming contaminated products regularly.
The agency emphasised there may be no immediate symptoms of lead poisoning. It urged consumers who suspect exposure to consult healthcare professionals for testing and advice.
Lead Levels and Regulatory Limits
The affected cinnamon brands contain lead ranging from 2.03 to 7.68 parts per million (ppm). For context, the FDA sets the limit for lead in bottled water at 5 parts per billion (ppb), which is much lower than the levels detected in the cinnamon products. Lead is not permitted as a food additive or colourant under FDA regulations.
The elevated lead levels far exceed what is considered safe for consumption and raise concerns about contamination sources. The FDA continues to investigate how lead entered the cinnamon supply chain.
Full List of Recalled Cinnamon Brands
The FDA’s latest public health alert names these 16 cinnamon brands as containing elevated lead:
- Roshni Foods Cinnamon Powder, UPC code: 6251136 034139, Best by date: 02/09/25
- HAETAE Ground Cinnamon, UPC code: 6251136 034139, Best by date: 02/09/25
- Durra Ground Cinnamon, Batch No.: 06 B:02, UPC code: 6251136 034139, Best by date: May 2026
- Wise Wife Ground Cinnamon, UPC code: 0 688474 302853
- Jiva Organics Organic Cinnamon Powder, AF-CINP/822, Best before: July 2025
- Super Brand Super Dried Cinnamon Powder (Recall completed)
- Asli Cinnamon Powder, Lot code: DDDLUS, (Recall completed)
- El Chillar Cinnamon Ground, Lot codes: E-054, EX 0225 and D181, EX0624
- Marcum Cinnamon Ground, Best by: 12/05/25, Lot code: 12 D8 (Missouri), Best by: 12/05/25, Lot code: 12 D11 (Virginia)
- SWAD Cinnamon Powder, Batch No.: KX28223, Best before October 2026 (Connecticut)
- Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon, Lot code: 10A11, Best by: 10/06/25 (California)
- Compania Indillor Orientale Cinnamon Ground, Expiration date and lot code: 08 2024 L1803231 (Connecticut)
- ALB Flavor Cinnamon Powder, Best before: 30/08/2025, Lot code: LA02 (Connecticut)
- Shahzada Cinnamon Powder (New York)
- Spice Class Ground Cinnamon, Best by: 12/2026 (New York)
- La Frontera Ground Cinnamon (New York)
The FDA has contacted most companies and requested that they voluntarily recall their products. However, they have been unable to reach HAETAE and advised consumers to avoid it entirely.
Where the Products Were Sold
The recalled cinnamon brands were distributed nationwide through various retailers, including grocery chains and discount stores such as Dollar Tree and Save-a-Lot. Due to cinnamon’s long shelf life, the products may still be present in homes and stores.
Consumers should inspect their spice cabinets carefully for these brands, particularly those with the noted “best by” dates through 2025 and 2026. The FDA stresses disposal rather than consumption or sale of any affected products.
Advice from the FDA
The FDA issued clear instructions for consumers: “Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve ground cinnamon products listed in the table above and should discard them. These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes and discard these products.”
The agency further advises that ongoing testing of cinnamon samples is underway. The list of affected brands may be updated if more contaminated products are identified.
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Background on Lead Contamination in Cinnamon
Lead contamination in cinnamon is a recurring issue linked to environmental factors and processing methods. According to experts, lead can enter spice products through contaminated soil, water, or during manufacturing.
Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, explained that these contamination sources contribute to lead’s presence in spice supplies. The FDA and state partners continue to scrutinise supply chains to prevent further distribution of tainted cinnamon.
Consumer Protection and Public Health
The FDA’s recall aims to protect public health by limiting exposure to lead from cinnamon and related products. Given cinnamon’s use in numerous foods and family recipes, the risk extends across age groups and demographics.
Besides the neurological effects on children, lead exposure can affect cardiovascular and renal health in adults. The FDA’s recalls and warnings seek to minimise these risks.
Conclusion
The FDA’s expanded recall of 16 cinnamon brands highlights ongoing concerns about lead contamination. Consumers in the U.S. must remain vigilant and dispose of any cinnamon products from the affected list. Checking homes and avoiding use of these items will reduce the risk of lead exposure. The FDA continues testing and monitoring to safeguard the food supply.
