The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its recall of ground cinnamon products due to elevated lead levels, now encompassing 16 brands. Initially announced in July 2024, the alert has been updated multiple times, with the latest additions including brands like HAETAE, Roshni, Durra, and Wise Wife. The FDA emphasizes that prolonged exposure to these contaminated products could lead to unsafe lead accumulation in the blood, posing health risks, especially to children.

“Exposure to these products may be unsafe,” the FDA states in its alert, urging consumers to immediately discard affected items and avoid purchasing them. This ongoing issue highlights persistent challenges in the spice supply chain, where lead can contaminate products through soil absorption, processing equipment, or packaging.

In this article, we examine the details of the recall, the affected brands, health implications, historical context, and steps consumers should take to ensure safety.

Details of the Recall

The FDA’s investigation has identified ground cinnamon from various distributors with lead concentrations ranging from 2.03 to 7.68 parts per million (ppm). While there is no safe level of lead exposure, these elevated amounts could contribute to health issues with prolonged use.

Ten of the 16 brands have issued voluntary recalls, and the FDA has requested recalls from the others except HAETAE. The products were distributed across multiple states, including California, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Missouri, Virginia, Connecticut, and Arkansas.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the recalled brands, including lead levels, distributors, and other key details:

Consumers are advised to check product labels, lot codes, and best-by dates to identify affected items. The FDA notes that these products have long shelf lives, so they may still be in homes even if purchased earlier.

Health Risks Associated with Lead Exposure

Lead is a toxic metal with no safe exposure level, according to the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms can be subtle and mimic other conditions, making detection challenging.

Short-term exposure may not cause immediate symptoms, but prolonged intake can lead to:

• In children: Learning difficulties, behavioral issues, lowered IQ, and developmental delays.
• In adults: High blood pressure, kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, depression, memory loss, and irritability.

Higher exposure levels might result in metallic taste, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, weakness, appetite loss, and tingling in extremities.

The FDA stresses that risks depend on factors like lead concentration, consumer age, exposure duration, and other lead sources. Vulnerable groups include pregnant women, infants, and young children. If exposure is suspected, consult a healthcare provider for blood lead testing.

Historical Context and Ongoing Issues

This recall is part of a broader pattern of lead contamination in cinnamon products. In 2024, Consumer Reports found elevated lead in one-third of cinnamon powders tested from Northeast grocery stores. Earlier in 2023, the FDA investigated lead-tainted applesauce pouches that sickened hundreds of children, leading to recalls of brands like WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks.

Experts attribute contamination to soil absorption during growth, industrial byproducts, processing equipment, storage, or packaging. Cinnamon, derived from tree bark, is particularly susceptible.

Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy at Consumer Reports, noted, “It’s troubling that these elevated lead levels continue to be found in cinnamon,” while praising the FDA’s ongoing scrutiny despite budget constraints.

The FDA has issued multiple alerts since 2023 and continues monitoring imported and domestic spices to safeguard public health.

What Consumers Should Do

1. Check Your Pantry: Inspect ground cinnamon for matching brands, lot codes, or best-by dates from the recall list.
2. Dispose Safely: Throw away affected products immediately. Do not consume or donate them.
3. Avoid Purchase: Refrain from buying listed items until cleared by the FDA.
4. Monitor Health: If you’ve used these products regularly, speak with a doctor about potential lead exposure and testing.
5. Stay Informed: Follow FDA updates, as the recall may expand. Sign up for recall alerts via the FDA website.
6. Choose Alternatives: Opt for cinnamon from reputable sources with third-party testing for heavy metals.

This recall underscores the importance of vigilance in food safety. By staying informed and acting promptly, consumers can minimize risks from contaminants like lead.

Stay Safe: Lead Risks in Your Spices

The expansion of the cinnamon recall to 16 brands serves as a critical reminder of hidden dangers in everyday pantry staples. While the FDA’s proactive measures are commendable, the persistence of lead in spices highlights supply chain vulnerabilities. Consumers play a key role by checking products and prioritizing health. For the latest updates, visit the FDA’s official recall page or consult reliable sources like Consumer Reports.