The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a timely advisory after the detection of harmful amounts of lead in several brands of ground cinnamon sold throughout the nation. Customers are requested to check their food pantries and refrain from consuming any recalled items. The agency’s latest update adds 16 cinnamon items to its ever-growing list of spices that have been recalled, and it is stressing caution because lead can prove to be very dangerous to one’s health, especially among children under six years of age and expectant mothers.
Risks to health from lead contamination
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that, with prolonged exposure, can accumulate in the body. Even low levels of lead exposure have been connected with delayed development, behavioral alterations, and reduced IQ in children. In adults, chronic lead exposure is likely to result in hypertension, renal disease, and reproductive issues. Because cinnamon is often used in cooking and baking, contaminated spice can be an unsuspected source of lead ingestion in common food and beverages.
The expanded recall in overview
The FDA alert comprises 16 various brands of cinnamon sold through dozens of companies, most of which were found recently via testing as some are detailed here, More cinnamon brands have been added to the health alert regarding lead levels – These are the four new products added to the FDA…. The new additions bring the recalled cinnamon products to more than two dozen types since the original recall in August. Agency investigations revealed levels of lead above the acceptable level of 0.5 parts per million (ppm) in spice products, and therefore were recalled immediately from store shelves and consumers.
Recently added brands and product information
Some of the newly recalled items are the following brands and product codes for high levels of lead:
- Roshni Foods Cinnamon Powder (UPC: 6251136 034139) is dated best by February 9, 2025, and must be discarded. HAETAE Ground Cinnamon also shares the same UPC and best-by date as Roshni Foods and could indicate a shared source supplier. Durra Ground Cinnamon, Batch No. 06 B:02 (UPC: 6251136 034139), bears a label with a best-by date of May 2026. All consumers who purchased Wise Wife Ground Cinnamon (UPC: 0 688474 302853) should know they are also recalled.
- Specialty and organic brands are not immune to pollution. Jiva Organics Organic Cinnamon Powder, with Lot No. AF-CINP/822 and best before date of July 2025, has also been recalled along with Super Brand Super Dried Cinnamon Powder, whose recall has already been done. Additionally, Asli Cinnamon Powder, Lot code DDDLUS, has been fully recalled in previous actions.
Regional variants and lot codes
Geographic distribution is part of batches being recalled. El Chillar Cinnamon Ground with lot numbers E-054, EX 0225, D181, and EX0624 are to be recalled regardless of location. Marcum Cinnamon Ground, sold in Missouri under Lot code 12 D8 and in Virginia under Lot code 12 D11, both having best-by dates of December 5, 2025, must be returned or discarded.
Regionally distributed brands in some states hold specific batch numbers. SWAD Cinnamon Powder Batch No. KX28223, with a best-before date of October 2026, was distributed in Connecticut and should be avoided. Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon, Lot code 10A11, best by October 6, 2025, was distributed in California. Compania Indillor Orientale Cinnamon Ground, with an expiration date 08 2024 and Lot code L1803231, also saw distribution in Connecticut and is recalled today.
More new recalls in major markets
New York consumers should know about three additional brands impacted: Shahzada Cinnamon Powder, Spice Class Ground Cinnamon with a best-by date of December 2026, and La Frontera Ground Cinnamon. ALB Flavor Cinnamon Powder, Lot code LA02, best before August 30, 2025, found in Connecticut, completes the list of extended recalls.
The FDA urges that everyone who has purchased these cinnamon products stop using them. Consumers can check their spice cabinets for the UPC code, lot number, and best-if-used-by dates noted. Problem products should be returned to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or safely disposed of in sealed packaging so that children and pets do not accidentally ingest them.
Ongoing FDA monitoring and supplier accountability
This new recall supplements ongoing problems of heavy metal contamination of imported spices. The FDA is still working with domestic distributors and foreign suppliers in tracing the source of adulterated cinnamon. Routine sampling and testing procedures have been heightened, and the agency will make further guidance available to spice importers to ensure compliance with safety levels. Retailers are being instructed to remove the recalled products immediately from the shelf and check incoming shipments for noncompliant lots.
Protecting public health
Consumers must play their part in safeguarding their families by staying informed about FDA warnings and recalls. Lead poisoning is preventable, and tough regulation from regulators, combined with awareness on the part of the food industry, is the solution. In the meantime, consumers might minimize lead exposure from ubiquitous cooking spices by purchasing spices from reputable sources that provide complete information on tests and certifications performed.
