FDA Announces Another Cinnamon Recall Due to High Levels of Lead

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday announced another cinnamon recall due to high levels of lead, following similar public health alerts earlier this year after lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce products sickened hundreds of children.

American Spices, LLC. of Ozone Park, NY, is recalling Spice Class brand Ground Cinnamon after testing conducted by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets revealed elevated levels of lead, the FDA said in a notice posted Monday.

The recalled Spice Class brand Ground Cinnamon is packed in 7oz and 11oz packing jars with expiration date: 12/2026. The recalled cinnamon was distributed to retailers in the New York City area between Dec. 1, 2023, and May 15, 2024, and was not sold online.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cinnamon and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

According to the CDC, even low levels of lead have been associated with learning and behavior problems, hearing and speech problems, and slowed growth and development in children. Acute lead poisoning can cause symptoms including abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, anemia, weakness, fatigue, and severe neurological symptoms including seizures, encephalopathy, and coma. In adults, chronic lead exposure can lead to kidney dysfunction, hypertension and neurocognitive effects.

The recall follows another issued Friday by ALB-USA Enterprises of Bronx, N.Y., involving ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder, due to elevated levels of lead. On Thursday, El Servidor brand ground cinnamon sold by Mannan Supermarket was recalled due to high lead levels.

—TMX contributed to this report