In recent months, U.S. consumers have been alerted to a growing FDA ground cinnamon recall involving multiple popular spice brands. The recall stems from elevated levels of lead found in certain ground cinnamon products—a serious health concern, especially for children and pregnant people. If you keep cinnamon in your pantry (for baking, coffee, smoothies, or savory dishes), this is a recall you’ll want to understand.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- What triggered the recall
- Which cinnamon brands are affected
- Health risks of lead exposure
- What to do if you own recalled products
- FDA and industry responses
- How to shop and store spices more safely going forward
What Triggered the Recall?
The FDA’s current recall of ground cinnamon traces back to broader investigations of lead and chromium contamination in cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches in late 2023. In that incident, more than 460 cases of lead poisoning in children across the U.S. were linked to apple–cinnamon puree pouches. The FDA traced the contamination to the ground cinnamon used in those products.
After that discovery, the FDA and its state partners initiated targeted sampling of cinnamon products sold at retail, particularly in discount stores and international/ethnic grocers. Over time, multiple Public Health Alerts have been issued, expanding the list of ground cinnamon brands under scrutiny.
The most recent alerts show lead concentrations in affected cinnamon ranging from about 2.03 to 7.68 parts per million (ppm). Some older alerts included one sample of El Servidor cinnamon with a lead concentration of 20 ppm.
While no acute illnesses have been directly tied to the ground cinnamon recall, the FDA considers long-term exposure to low levels of lead unsafe—especially for vulnerable populations.
Which Ground Cinnamon Brands Are Affected?
The recall particularly targets ground cinnamon sold under a variety of brand names and lot codes. As of the latest update (September/October 2025), here are some of the flagged brands:
- Jiva Organics (organic cinnamon powder)
- Super Brand (dried cinnamon powder)
- Asli Fine Foods (cinnamon powder)
- El Chilar (ground cinnamon)
- Marcum
- SWAD
- Supreme Tradition
- Compania Indillor Orientale
- ALB Flavor
- Shahzada
- Spice Class (Ground Cinnamon)
- La Frontera
In addition, American Spices, LLC has recalled Spice Class brand Ground Cinnamon in 7 oz and 11 oz jars (distributed in the New York City area) after state testing flagged the product for elevated lead.
Also, IHA Beverage voluntarily recalled a “Super Cinnamon Powder 4 oz” product due to possible lead contamination.
Because ground cinnamon has a long shelf life and is often stored in less-visible places (pantry bottoms, spice racks), many consumers may still have affected lots at home.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
One of the key reasons this recall is serious: there is no safe threshold for lead exposure in humans. Even low levels, sustained over time, can have harmful effects—especially on developing children.
Here’s a breakdown of the risks:
In Children & Pregnant People
- Lead exposure in utero or during infancy/early childhood can impair neurological development, lower IQ, cause learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
- Children are more susceptible because of smaller body mass and faster absorption.
In Adults
- Chronic low-level lead exposure has been linked to kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and subtle cognitive decline.
- Symptoms may be nonspecific or absent, making detection challenging.
Because symptoms are often silent (especially at low levels), the FDA’s concern is preventive: to remove these spice products before damage occurs.
What to Do If You Own Recalled Cinnamon
If you suspect your ground cinnamon is among the recalled products, here’s a suggested course of action:
- Stop using it immediately. Don’t use recalled cinnamon in cooking, baking, or home remedies.
- Check lot codes and best-by dates. Cross-reference your product’s information with the FDA’s official list of affected brands and lots.
- Dispose safely. Seal the container or bag in a plastic bag and discard it in your household trash (not compost).
- Return it if possible. Some retailers will accept the product for refund or replacement.
- Contact your healthcare provider. Especially if you’re concerned about exposure (e.g., children or pregnancy), ask about blood lead testing.
- Report to FDA. If you experienced any symptoms or have concerns, you can report via the FDA’s consumer complaint system.
While no illnesses have been definitively linked to these recalled cinnamon products, the stakes of lead exposure mean “better safe than sorry.”
FDA & Industry Response
The FDA has taken several steps to manage the situation:
- Issued multiple public health alerts and recommended voluntary recalls by manufacturers/distributors.
- Collaborated with state agricultural and health departments to collect and test cinnamon samples via the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM).
- Increased import screening protocols and risk-based oversight of cinnamon and spice suppliers.
- Sent warning letters to companies (e.g., Austrofood, manufacturer of recalled applesauce products) for violations in hazard analysis and preventive control practices.
The FDA’s “Closer to Zero” initiative—aimed at reducing childhood lead exposure—is a guiding principle in these efforts.
Some industry players have responded by ceasing distribution of affected lots or reformulating sourcing to reduce contamination risk.
How to Shop & Store Spices More Safely
Given this recall, here are some tips to minimize risk in your kitchen:
- Buy small quantities of spices you use often so that they turn over quickly.
- Check origin and supplier transparency—brands that disclose origin, testing, or soil management are often safer.
- Avoid buying from discount bins or unlabeled bulk spices without quality assurances.
- Store spices in airtight, opaque containers, away from humidity and heat (which can accelerate oxidation).
- Rotate your pantry—use older spices first, but discard any that remain too long.
- Occasionally sample or test unusual spices (especially from small or foreign sources) if you’re particularly cautious.
Summary & Final Thoughts
The FDA ground cinnamon recall is a reminder that even common pantry staples can carry hidden risks. Because lead has no safe level, especially for children, taking a cautious approach is wise.
- Multiple alerts and recalls now cover at least a dozen ground cinnamon brands.
- Contamination was first flagged through investigations into lead poisoning from cinnamon-apple puree pouches.
- Long-term exposure—even to low levels—can impair neurological development, kidney function, and more.
- If you own affected cinnamon, discard it and consult medical professionals if you have concerns.
- Moving forward, shop smarter and store spices carefully to reduce risk.
