FDA Warns 16 Cinnamon Brands Contain Elevated Lead Levels — Check Your Shelf Now
| October 16, 2025
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about 16 ground cinnamon brands that contain elevated levels of lead, potentially posing a risk to consumers’ health. In the past week, the agency added four new brands to the list: HAETAE, Roshni, Durra, and Wise Wife.
"Based on the FDA's assessment, prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe and could contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood," the agency said in its alert.
The FDA has requested all companies except HAETAE to voluntarily recall their products. Currently, 10 of the 16 brands have issued recall announcements. Consumers are advised to discard any affected cinnamon immediately.
Ground Cinnamon Brands With Elevated Lead
The affected brands contain lead levels ranging from 2.03 parts per million (ppm) to 7.68 ppm, which can be unsafe over prolonged consumption. The full list includes:
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Roshni – 2.268 ppm
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HAETAE – 4.60 ppm
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Durra – 2.44 ppm
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Wise Wife – 2.49 ppm
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Jiva Organics – 2.29 ppm
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Super Brand – 7.68 & 6.60 ppm
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Asli – 2.32 ppm
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El Chilar – 3.75 & 7.01 ppm
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Marcum – 2.22 & 2.14 ppm
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SWAD – 2.89 ppm
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Supreme Tradition – 2.37 ppm
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Compania Indillor Orientale – 2.23 ppm
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ALB Flavor – 3.93 ppm
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Shahzada – 2.03 ppm
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Spice Class – 2.04 ppm
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La Frontera – 2.66 ppm
Why Cinnamon Can Be Contaminated With Lead
Lead contamination in cinnamon is not new. According to Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy at Consumer Reports, several factors contribute:
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Soil contamination: Cinnamon trees can absorb lead from polluted soil.
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Processing and packaging: Lead can enter cinnamon from equipment, storage, or packaging.
The FDA monitors and regulates lead in foods, and in 2023, it investigated tainted cinnamon in applesauce pouches that caused hundreds of cases of lead poisoning in children.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
There is no safe level of lead exposure, according to the FDA. Long-term exposure can cause serious health issues, particularly in infants and young children.
"High levels of exposure in utero, infancy, and early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties, and lowered IQ," the FDA warns.
Ongoing Monitoring and Recalls
The FDA continues to update its alerts on cinnamon and other products to protect public health. Despite staffing and budget challenges, the agency emphasizes the importance of vigilance in identifying and recalling hazardous products.
Consumers are urged to check their kitchens and discard any cinnamon from the listed brands to prevent exposure.
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