Check your spice rack: FDA flags more cinnamon brands for lead contamination
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If cinnamon is a go-to in your kitchen—whether sprinkled on toast, baked into desserts, or added to your morning coffee—you’ll want to take a closer look at the label.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just expanded its list of ground cinnamon brands contaminated with lead, raising concerns for shoppers across the country.
The update follows a months-long investigation that began after hundreds of children were poisoned by lead-tainted applesauce earlier this year.
Now, officials are urging Americans to check their spice cabinets carefully.
Some of the affected brands are sold in major national chains and local markets alike.
How did this cinnamon crisis begin?
The investigation dates back to spring 2024, when more than 460 children across the US developed lead poisoning.
The common link wasn’t the apples in their applesauce—it was the cinnamon.
That alarming discovery prompted the FDA to launch a broader review of ground cinnamon products.
As of September 12, 2025, the agency has identified 12 cinnamon brands with elevated lead levels, many of which are sold at popular discount and ethnic grocery stores.
Also read: Lead exposure concerns prompt faucet recall—what you need to know to stay safe
Which cinnamon brands are affected?
The following products have been added to the FDA’s growing list.
If you have any of these in your home, health experts recommend throwing them out immediately:
Also read: Are you unknowingly exposing your family to lead when you cook? FDA issues urgent cookware warning
Why is lead in cinnamon a serious concern?
Lead is a dangerous heavy metal that builds up in the body over time.
Even small amounts can lead to serious health issues, especially for children and older adults.
Long-term exposure is linked to high blood pressure, kidney problems, memory loss, and increased risk of cognitive decline.
In children, it can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges.
The FDA stresses that there is no known safe level of lead exposure.
Also read: Heads up, shoppers—Publix recalls item due to potential lead risk
How does lead get into cinnamon?
According to FDA investigators, contamination typically happens during the grinding and processing stages.
Old or poorly maintained equipment can be a source of lead, and in rare but serious cases, lead is illegally added to bulk up the product’s weight.
Cinnamon—especially when imported or produced under less stringent regulations—is particularly vulnerable.
Also read: This canned beverage is under recall—here’s why
What should you do if you’ve purchased a recalled product?
Health officials advise the following steps:
Also read: Protect your family now: This popular bread could lead to potential injuries!
Tips to stay safe when buying cinnamon
To reduce your risk of exposure, food safety experts recommend these tips:
Also read: Don’t spice up danger! This BBQ seasoning recall might hit your pantry
Why food recalls are becoming more common
This cinnamon scare is part of a broader trend.
Over the past few years, food recalls have increased, covering everything from frozen vegetables (due to Listeria) to eggs (Salmonella) and even imported seafood (potential radioactive exposure).
With our food supply becoming more global, contamination risks have grown—making it more important than ever to stay vigilant.
What’s next from the FDA?
The agency has promised continued testing and monitoring of cinnamon products across the country.
It’s also encouraging manufacturers to proactively issue recalls and adopt stronger quality control measures.
In the meantime, consumers are advised to stay cautious and informed.
Read next: FDA issues recall for over 64,000 pounds of butter
Have you ever experienced a food recall with a product you use regularly? Did you check your cinnamon after hearing about this alert? If you have a favorite safe brand or tips for making your own spice blends at home, we’d love to hear from you.
Drop a comment below and share your thoughts. Staying informed can help keep everyone in our community a little bit safer!
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just expanded its list of ground cinnamon brands contaminated with lead, raising concerns for shoppers across the country.
The update follows a months-long investigation that began after hundreds of children were poisoned by lead-tainted applesauce earlier this year.
Now, officials are urging Americans to check their spice cabinets carefully.
Some of the affected brands are sold in major national chains and local markets alike.
Always double-check your spice labels—some ground cinnamon brands have been recalled due to lead contamination. Image Source: Pexels / Photo By: Kaboompics.com.
How did this cinnamon crisis begin?
The investigation dates back to spring 2024, when more than 460 children across the US developed lead poisoning.
The common link wasn’t the apples in their applesauce—it was the cinnamon.
That alarming discovery prompted the FDA to launch a broader review of ground cinnamon products.
As of September 12, 2025, the agency has identified 12 cinnamon brands with elevated lead levels, many of which are sold at popular discount and ethnic grocery stores.
Also read: Lead exposure concerns prompt faucet recall—what you need to know to stay safe
Which cinnamon brands are affected?
The following products have been added to the FDA’s growing list.
If you have any of these in your home, health experts recommend throwing them out immediately:
| Retailer/Seller | Brand Name | Best-By Date / Lot Code | State(s) Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taj Supermarket | Jiva Organics | AF-CINP/822, Best Before: 7/25 | — |
| Asian Supermarket | Super Brand | None listed | — |
| A&Y Global Market | Asli | DDDLUS | — |
| El Torito Market | El Chilar | D181EX0624; E054EX0225 | Maryland |
| Save A Lot Food Stores | Marcum | 12/05/25, 12 D8; 12/05/25, 12 D11 | Missouri, Virginia |
| Patel Brothers | SWAD | 10/2026, KX28223 | Connecticut |
| Dollar Tree | Supreme Tradition | 10/06/25, 10A11 | California |
| Eurogrocery | Compania Indillor Orientale | 08/2024, L1803231 | Connecticut |
| Eurogrocery | ALB Flavor | 08/30/2025, LA02 | Connecticut |
| Premium Supermarket | Shahzada | None listed | New York |
| Fish World | Spice Class | 12/2026 | New York |
| Frutas Y Abarrotes Mexico | La Frontera | None listed | New York |
Also read: Are you unknowingly exposing your family to lead when you cook? FDA issues urgent cookware warning
Why is lead in cinnamon a serious concern?
Lead is a dangerous heavy metal that builds up in the body over time.
Even small amounts can lead to serious health issues, especially for children and older adults.
Long-term exposure is linked to high blood pressure, kidney problems, memory loss, and increased risk of cognitive decline.
In children, it can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges.
The FDA stresses that there is no known safe level of lead exposure.
Several ground cinnamon brands sold at major retailers have been recalled due to elevated lead levels—check your pantry for any of these products. Image Source: FDA.
Also read: Heads up, shoppers—Publix recalls item due to potential lead risk
How does lead get into cinnamon?
According to FDA investigators, contamination typically happens during the grinding and processing stages.
Old or poorly maintained equipment can be a source of lead, and in rare but serious cases, lead is illegally added to bulk up the product’s weight.
Cinnamon—especially when imported or produced under less stringent regulations—is particularly vulnerable.
These recalled cinnamon products were sold at stores—see if any are in your kitchen. Image Source: FDA.
Also read: This canned beverage is under recall—here’s why
What should you do if you’ve purchased a recalled product?
Health officials advise the following steps:
- Stop using it immediately. Even if you've already used some, it’s safest to stop.
- Seal and dispose. Place the product in a sealed container and throw it in the trash. Do not compost or recycle.
- Clean nearby surfaces. Wipe down spice jars, shelves, or containers that may have been in contact with the contaminated product.
- Talk to your doctor. If you or a family member (especially a child) may have consumed a significant amount, ask your healthcare provider whether a blood lead test is necessary.
The FDA has identified these cinnamon brands as unsafe—consumers are urged to stop using them immediately. Image Source: FDA.
Also read: Protect your family now: This popular bread could lead to potential injuries!
Tips to stay safe when buying cinnamon
To reduce your risk of exposure, food safety experts recommend these tips:
- Buy whole cinnamon sticks when possible. Lead contamination is far less likely in unprocessed sticks, which you can grind at home.
- Stick with trusted brands.Consumer Reports recommends options like:
- 365 by Whole Foods Market (regular and organic)
- Sadaf
- Morton & Bassett San Francisco Organic Cinnamon
- Loisa Organic Cinnamon
- Check the FDA’s recall list regularly. Their online database is updated as new alerts are issued.
- Shop from reputable retailers. Larger chains and specialty stores tend to have stricter quality control practices.
Also read: Don’t spice up danger! This BBQ seasoning recall might hit your pantry
Why food recalls are becoming more common
This cinnamon scare is part of a broader trend.
Over the past few years, food recalls have increased, covering everything from frozen vegetables (due to Listeria) to eggs (Salmonella) and even imported seafood (potential radioactive exposure).
With our food supply becoming more global, contamination risks have grown—making it more important than ever to stay vigilant.
What’s next from the FDA?
The agency has promised continued testing and monitoring of cinnamon products across the country.
It’s also encouraging manufacturers to proactively issue recalls and adopt stronger quality control measures.
In the meantime, consumers are advised to stay cautious and informed.
Read next: FDA issues recall for over 64,000 pounds of butter
Have you ever experienced a food recall with a product you use regularly? Did you check your cinnamon after hearing about this alert? If you have a favorite safe brand or tips for making your own spice blends at home, we’d love to hear from you.
Drop a comment below and share your thoughts. Staying informed can help keep everyone in our community a little bit safer!
