FDA expands US ground cinnamon recall amid lead contamination concerns

Ground cinnamon is included in the FDA’s expanded 2025 recall over unsafe lead levels. Consumers are urged to check spice racks and discard affected brands. Credit: Shutterstock.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has widened its recall of ground cinnamon products after detecting unsafe levels of lead, warning that long-term exposure could pose “serious health risks”, particularly for children.

The FDA first began investigating elevated lead levels in ground cinnamon in early 2024. However, following continued testing across several US states, including Connecticut, the agency has now extended its nationwide recall to include additional brands found to exceed acceptable lead limits.

In an update issued on 10 October, the FDA urged consumers to check their spice racks and immediately discard any affected products. Officials confirmed that the contamination remains under active investigation, with more samples continuing to test above the agency’s safety thresholds.

Long-term exposure to elevated levels of lead can cause serious health issues, especially in infants and young children,” the FDA stated.

Brands affected by the recall

The expanded recall now covers multiple brands of ground cinnamon sold across the US, including HATAE, Roshni, Durra, Wise Wife, Jiva Organic, Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, Marcum, SWAD, Supreme Tradition, Compania Indillor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class, and La Frontera. This contamination calls back to a similar incident in August of last year, in which Asli initiated a similar recall.

Consumers are encouraged to visit the FDA’s official website for the full list of affected products, including batch numbers and distributor information.

The agency said it is collaborating with state partners to trace the contamination’s source and prevent further distribution of unsafe products.

Ground cinnamon is a staple ingredient in a range of foods—including baked goods, desserts, and applesauce—making this recall particularly concerning given its common use in children’s meals.

Lead contamination remains a persistent food safety challenge

Lead exposure through diet continues to be a major public health concern. The FDA notes that even small amounts accumulated over time can harm brain development and lead to learning or behavioural difficulties in children. Adults exposed to high levels may also experience cardiovascular and kidney issues.

According to US media reports, experts believe lead can enter the food supply naturally when crops absorb the metal from contaminated soil or water. Its historical use in paint, fuel, and plumbing materials has left lasting residues in the environment—traces of which continue to appear in some agricultural products today.

While industrial uses of lead have largely been banned in the US, imported goods remain a potential source of exposure. The FDA reiterated that “there is no known safe level of lead” and called on food producers to review their sourcing and processing methods to reduce contamination risks.

While it is not possible to completely prevent lead from entering the food supply, it may be possible to reduce the levels through changes to agricultural or manufacturing practices,” the agency said.

FDA continues to monitor and update recall list

The FDA confirmed that testing and traceability work is ongoing, with further updates expected as new results emerge. Consumers are urged to remain alert to recall notices and avoid using any ground cinnamon listed as affected.

The FDA’s full recall list and safety updates can be found on its recall information page.