The fda cinnamon recall list has expanded significantly, with 16 ground cinnamon brands now identified for containing elevated lead levels. This growing recall represents one of the most extensive spice-related safety alerts in recent years. U.S. regulators are urging consumers to carefully check their spice cabinets and discard any products on the list immediately, given cinnamon’s long shelf life and frequent use in households.
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Latest Recall Expansion: What’s New
On October 10, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a major expansion of its ground cinnamon recall, adding four additional brands to the growing list of affected products: HAETAE, Roshni, Durra, and Wise Wife.
- Durra was officially recalled on October 7, 2025, covering 100-gram plastic jars that were distributed in California and Michigan. These products tested positive for elevated lead levels significantly above acceptable limits, prompting an immediate recall.
- Wise Wife had previously initiated a recall on September 26, 2025, for 1.76-ounce jars sold across multiple states, including through both brick-and-mortar retailers and online platforms.
- HAETAE was added to the recall list after FDA regulators were unable to secure a voluntary recall from the distributor, citing contact and communication issues. As a result, the FDA issued a public health alert urging consumers to discard any HAETAE cinnamon products currently in their homes.
- Roshni was voluntarily pulled from store shelves by its distributor after testing revealed elevated lead levels. This proactive move came before any formal FDA enforcement action was necessary.
With these additions, the total number of affected ground cinnamon brands has risen to 16 nationwide. The FDA has emphasized that no illnesses have been officially linked to the recalled products to date. However, officials continue to warn that prolonged exposure to lead—even at low levels—can pose serious health risks, particularly for young children, pregnant individuals, and developing fetuses. Lead exposure is cumulative, meaning that repeated consumption over time can lead to neurological, developmental, and behavioral problems, underscoring the urgency of checking household spice cabinets for any of the recalled products. The agency continues to monitor retail and import channels closely as the investigation expands.
Brands and Lead Levels: What Consumers Should Know
The table below provides a snapshot of the brands included in the recall and their reported lead concentrations:
| Brand | Lead Concentration (ppm) or Notes |
|---|---|
| Super Brand | Up to 7.68 ppm |
| El Chilar | 3.75 – 7.01 ppm |
| HAETAE | 4.60 ppm |
| Roshni | Approximately 2.27 ppm |
| Durra | Approximately 2.44 ppm |
| Asli | Approximately 2.32 ppm |
| Jiva Organics | Approximately 2.29 ppm |
| Marcum | 2.14 – 2.22 ppm |
| SWAD | Approximately 2.89 ppm |
| Supreme Tradition | Approximately 2.37 ppm |
| Compania Indillor Orientale | Approximately 2.23 ppm |
| ALB Flavor | Approximately 3.93 ppm |
| Shahzada | Approximately 2.03 ppm |
| Spice Class | Approximately 2.04 ppm |
| La Frontera | Approximately 2.66 ppm |
| Wise Wife | Recalled due to elevated lead risk |
These figures represent levels far above what is considered safe for consistent consumption. Because cinnamon can be stored for years, contaminated products may still be in homes nationwide.
Why Cinnamon and Lead Don’t Mix
The recent recall underscores why lead contamination in cinnamon is a serious public health concern. There are several ways in which cinnamon can become contaminated with lead:
- Soil absorption during cultivation: Cinnamon trees can absorb lead from contaminated soil, especially if grown in areas with a history of industrial activity, mining, or the use of lead-containing pesticides. Over time, the metal accumulates in the bark—the part of the tree that is harvested to make cinnamon—creating a direct pathway into the food supply.
- Processing contamination: Once harvested, cinnamon bark is dried, ground, and packaged. Lead contamination can occur during grinding, processing, or storage if equipment, surfaces, or packaging facilities are not adequately maintained or have residual contamination. In some cases, cross-contamination may happen when spices are processed in shared facilities that handle other materials with lead residues.
- Intentional adulteration: A more alarming source of contamination involves the illegal addition of lead compounds—such as lead chromate—to ground cinnamon. This is sometimes done to increase the product’s weight, enhance its color, or boost profits, particularly in loosely regulated supply chains. Such adulteration has been documented in multiple spice-related lead incidents globally.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stresses that there is no safe level of lead exposure. Even minimal amounts can build up in the body over time, particularly in young children and pregnant individuals, leading to neurological, developmental, and behavioral health problems. Because cinnamon is commonly used in foods marketed to or consumed by children—such as oatmeal, applesauce, baked goods, and cereals—contamination presents an especially high risk.
To address these dangers, the FDA has prioritized cinnamon and other spices in its “Closer to Zero” initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at reducing exposure to heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in the U.S. food supply. This initiative involves stricter testing, more robust supply chain oversight, and increased collaboration with international partners to identify and eliminate contamination sources as early as possible.
Regulatory Actions and Ongoing Monitoring
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been actively addressing the issue of lead-contaminated cinnamon since March 2024, when the first elevated lead levels were detected in imported cinnamon products. Since then, the agency has systematically expanded its oversight, updated its recall lists, and taken multiple steps to protect public health. The response has grown more comprehensive throughout 2025 as additional contaminated brands have been identified.
Key FDA actions include:
- Issuing multiple nationwide public health alerts: The FDA has released several consumer advisories and press announcements urging the public to check their spice cabinets, identify affected brands, and immediately discard contaminated cinnamon products. These alerts have been updated regularly as the list of recalled brands has grown, with the most recent expansion on October 10, 2025.
- Conducting targeted sampling and testing: FDA inspectors have increased sampling of ground cinnamon products at both retail and import locations, including warehouses, grocery stores, spice markets, and ports of entry. These efforts aim to identify contaminated lots early and prevent further distribution into U.S. markets.
- Requesting voluntary recalls: When elevated lead levels are detected, the FDA has contacted the responsible distributors and manufacturers to initiate voluntary recalls. The majority of companies have complied, removing affected products from store shelves and issuing public notifications. However, in some cases—such as with HAETAE—the FDA was unable to secure voluntary cooperation, prompting direct public health alerts.
- Collaborating with state and local partners: To strengthen surveillance, the FDA has coordinated with state health departments and food safety agencies to collect additional cinnamon samples, expand laboratory testing, and share data. This joint approach ensures wider monitoring across supply chains and improves traceability of contaminated products.
- Warning importers and manufacturers: The agency has formally warned companies to enhance contamination control measures in their processing and packaging operations. This includes stricter equipment cleaning protocols, improved traceability, and increased testing for heavy metals in both raw materials and finished products.
- Enforcement actions and import alerts: When companies fail to comply voluntarily, the FDA retains the legal authority to take enforcement measures, including issuing import alerts to block contaminated products from entering the U.S. market, seizing products already in distribution, or pursuing further regulatory action against noncompliant firms.
The FDA has made it clear that this is an ongoing, high-priority investigation. Additional recalls remain possible as sampling continues and more products are tested. The agency’s efforts are part of a broader strategy under its “Closer to Zero” initiative, focusing on reducing heavy metal exposure in food products consumed by children and vulnerable populations.
CConsumer Action Steps
Consumers play a critical role in protecting their households from the risks associated with lead-contaminated cinnamon. Because cinnamon has a long shelf life and is often stored for months or even years, affected products may still be sitting in spice racks and pantries across the country. To minimize exposure and help stop the spread of contaminated products, the FDA recommends the following important steps:
- 1. Check your spice cabinet immediately
Review all cinnamon products currently in your home, including ground cinnamon jars, bulk bags, and small spice containers. Look closely at brand names, lot numbers, and best-by dates, and compare them with the FDA’s latest cinnamon recall list, which now includes 16 affected brands. Even unopened containers may be contaminated and should not be used. - 2. Stop using any recalled brands right away
If your cinnamon matches a recalled brand or lot, do not use it under any circumstances. Place the product in a sealed bag or container before discarding, to ensure it cannot be retrieved and accidentally reused. - 3. Do not donate or share recalled spices
Even well-intentioned donations to food pantries, neighbors, or community events can inadvertently spread contaminated products. Recalled spices should not be used in food preparation for others, including baked goods or spice blends. - 4. Return products to the retailer if possible
Many major retailers and specialty stores have set up refund or exchange programs for recalled cinnamon products. Check store policies, as some may offer full refunds even without receipts, particularly for products on the FDA recall list. - 5. Consult a healthcare provider if exposure is suspected
If you believe that young children, pregnant individuals, or other household members may have consumed recalled cinnamon over an extended period, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.- Blood lead testing can detect elevated levels even when there are no obvious symptoms.
- Early testing and intervention are especially critical for children under six, as their developing brains are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead.
- 6. Stay informed and proactive
The FDA continues to update its recall list and testing results regularly. Consumers are encouraged to subscribe to FDA recall alerts or check the agency’s website frequently for new developments. Taking prompt action when new brands are added to the list can prevent further exposure.
Because lead exposure often doesn’t cause immediate, visible symptoms, many people may not realize they’ve been affected until testing occurs. That’s why proactive product checks, proper disposal, and early medical consultation are essential steps in protecting your family’s health.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead exposure poses serious, long-term, and often irreversible health risks, affecting people of all ages — but children and pregnant individuals are the most vulnerable. This is because children’s bodies absorb lead more efficiently than adults, and their developing nervous systems are particularly sensitive to its harmful effects. Even small amounts of lead, ingested repeatedly over time, can accumulate in the body and cause significant health problems.
Health Impacts on Children
For children, exposure to lead through contaminated cinnamon or other food sources can lead to:
- Lowered IQ and cognitive performance – Lead can disrupt normal brain development, leading to measurable declines in learning ability and school performance.
- Attention disorders and behavioral problems – Chronic exposure is linked to increased risks of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), irritability, and other behavioral issues.
- Developmental delays – Lead interferes with neural connectivity, often resulting in speech and language delays and slower attainment of developmental milestones.
- Impaired hearing and growth – Long-term exposure can affect the auditory system and may lead to growth impairments, including reduced height and delayed puberty.
Because children may consume cinnamon through oatmeal, cereals, baked goods, applesauce, and cultural dishes, contamination in household spice cabinets can create widespread, repeated exposure without obvious warning signs.
Health Impacts on Adults
For adults, chronic lead exposure can have a different but equally concerning set of health effects, including:
- Hypertension and cardiovascular problems – Lead exposure has been associated with elevated blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and increased risks of heart disease and stroke.
- Kidney dysfunction – Lead can accumulate in the kidneys over time, impairing their ability to filter waste effectively.
- Cognitive decline – Prolonged exposure has been linked to memory problems, decreased processing speed, and higher risks of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.
- Reproductive complications – In both men and women, lead exposure can cause fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, and complications during pregnancy.
Long-Term Exposure: A Hidden Danger
Even low-level lead exposure over an extended period can contribute to these health effects, making early detection and prevention crucial. Unlike acute poisoning, which can present with more obvious symptoms, chronic lead exposure often develops silently, with effects appearing gradually and sometimes only being detected through blood lead level testing.
Given that cinnamon is widely used in everyday cooking and baking, the presence of contaminated products in circulation presents a real and widespread public health risk. This is why the FDA and public health officials continue to stress the urgency of checking for recalled brands, discarding affected products, and seeking medical evaluation if exposure is suspected — especially in households with young children or pregnant individuals.
The Bigger Picture
The expansion of the fda cinnamon recall list underscores the importance of strict food safety measures across the entire supply chain. From farm to table, every stage must be monitored to prevent contamination. This incident also highlights the need for consumers to stay vigilant, regularly review product recall lists, and take action quickly when recalls are announced.
Food regulators are expected to continue testing cinnamon products in the coming months. Additional recalls may follow if more contaminated brands are detected. Consumers should periodically check the FDA’s official recall notices to stay up to date.
The fda cinnamon recall list is still evolving, and new developments are expected as testing continues. Staying informed and acting swiftly is the best way to protect your household.
