FDA Issues 3rd Public Health Alert for Cinnamon Products Containing Lead
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its public health alert to include additional ground cinnamon products found to contain elevated levels of lead, urging consumers to immediately discard these items and avoid purchasing them.
The updated alert follows the collection of samples of Super Brand ground cinnamon by the Arkansas Department of Health that revealed lead concentrations of up to 7.68 parts per million (ppm).
This comes after an Aug. 30 update, which added Asli brand ground cinnamon to the alert after similar findings.
Through ongoing testing in collaboration with state agencies, the FDA has identified multiple ground cinnamon products with elevated lead levels.
The affected brands now include Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indiilor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class, and La Frontera. Consumers are advised to check their cupboards for these products and dispose of them, as even small amounts of lead can accumulate in the body over time and pose serious health risks.
The FDA's scrutiny of lead in cinnamon products increased after mass recalls of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce pouches marketed for children were initiated in October 2023 due to elevated lead levels.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children in 44 states had probable or confirmed cases of elevated blood lead levels after consuming these products. The outbreak was declared over in April 2024.
Lead exposure is particularly harmful to young children, potentially causing neurological disorders such as learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and decreased IQ.
The FDA emphasizes that prolonged exposure to contaminated cinnamon products may contribute to elevated blood lead levels, especially in children who are more susceptible due to their smaller body size and rapid development.
In addition to advising consumers, the FDA has recommended that distributors voluntarily recall the affected products.
The agency continues to work with state partners and actively test cinnamon sold directly to consumers at retail locations and imports to prevent unsafe products from reaching the U.S. market.
Earlier this year, Consumer Reports tested 36 ground cinnamon products and spice blends containing cinnamon, finding that 12 brands contained levels of lead above one ppm—the threshold to trigger a recall in New York state, the only U.S. state that regulates heavy metals in spices.
The highest levels were found in Paras cinnamon powder and EGN cinnamon powder, with lead concentrations of 3.52 ppm and 2.91 ppm, respectively.
The product was sold through Mannan Supermarket Inc. in New York City. The FDA added it to the increasing number of cinnamon products flagged for lead contamination.
Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults include joint and muscle pain, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, mood disorders, miscarriage or stillbirth, and difficulties with concentration or memory.
The Mayo Clinic notes that lead poisoning can occur due to a long-term buildup of the heavy metal inside the body after repeated exposure.
The FDA is taking action under its Closer to Zero initiative, which focuses on reducing childhood exposure to toxic elements in foods commonly consumed by babies and young children.
The agency is also working with manufacturers and importers to ensure that they implement controls to prevent contamination from potential chemical hazards in food, including ground cinnamon products.
Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and check the FDA's website for updates on recalled products. Those who suspect they have been exposed to elevated levels of lead should consult their health care provider, as most people have no immediate symptoms of lead exposure.
Jack Phillips and Katabella Roberts contributed to this report.
