Several Cinnamon Brands Recalled Nationwide Due to Excessive Lead

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert for six cinnamon brands due to elevated concentrations of lead. 

Health complications have not yet been reported in connection to this recall. However, lead is highly toxic, and consuming the heavy metal can affect people of all ages and health statuses. Short-term exposure to lead can cause symptoms like headache, abdominal pain and vomiting, while longer-term exposure could result in feelings of fatigue, muscle aches, constipation and more. It can be especially dangerous for infants, children and those who are pregnant.

This announcement follows an earlier recall of applesauce and apple purée products in October 2023, where levels of lead in affected products were excessively high, which prompted the FDA to conduct further testing on cinnamon. If you believe you or your loved ones may have consumed this product or the newly recalled ground cinnamons, contact your health care provider immediately.

The impacted cinnamon brands were sold nationwide by several retailers, listed here:

• La Fiesta Ground Cinnamon: La Superior SuperMercados
• Marcum Ground Cinnamon: Save A Lot
• MK Cinnamon Powder: SF Supermarket
• Swad Cinnamon Powder: Patel Brothers
• Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon: Dollar Tree, Family Dollar
• El Chilar Canela Molida: La Joya Morelense (Baltimore, MD)

The FDA has requested voluntary recalls from each company that is involved. For a complete list of impacted distributors, lot codes and “Best By” dates, check out the FDA’s full alert.

To report a complaint or adverse event relating to illness or serious allergic reaction, you can do any of the following:

• Speak directly with a FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator over phone.
• Submit an electronic Voluntary MedWatch form online.
• Mail a completed paper Voluntary MedWatch form to the FDA.

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