The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its public health alert to include additional ground cinnamon products found with elevated levels of lead. Consumers are advised to stop using and discard the affected brands and lots immediately. This advisory emphasizes that long-term exposure to lead can be harmful, particularly for young children and pregnant individuals, even if there are no immediate symptoms.
Latest Updates
The newest expansion adds Jiva Organic ground cinnamon to the list after FDA retail testing confirmed elevated lead levels. This marks the third update to the cinnamon-focused alert since 2024. Lead concentrations in the current advisory range from 2.03 to 7.68 parts per million (ppm). State partners continue to collect samples to identify additional products that may exceed safety thresholds.
Affected Brands and Locations
The current FDA alert includes:
- Jiva Organics – TAJ Supermarket; lot AF-CINP/822, best before July 2025
- Super Brand – Asian Supermarket, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Asli – A&Y Global Market, Columbia, Missouri
- El Chilar – El Torito Market, Maryland-coded lots
- Marcum – Save-A-Lot, Missouri and Virginia best-by lots
- SWAD – Patel Brothers, Connecticut batch KX28223
- Supreme Tradition – Dollar Tree, California lot 10A11
- Compania Indillor Orientale – Eurogrocery, Connecticut lot L1803231
- ALB Flavor – Eurogrocery, Connecticut best-before 30/08/2025 LA02
- Shahzada – Premium Supermarket, New York
- Spice Class – Fish World, New York
- La Frontera – Frutas Y Abarrotes Mexico, Inc., New York
Consumers should check pantries carefully for these lots and brands.
Recommended Actions
The FDA advises:
- Do not consume, sell, or serve any of the listed cinnamon products.
- Discard affected items due to their long shelf life.
- Contact a healthcare provider if exposure is suspected, especially for children or pregnant individuals.
- Report any adverse events through the FDA’s consumer assistance channels.
Who Is Most at Risk
Lead is particularly dangerous for infants, young children, and pregnant people, as prolonged exposure can lead to:
- Reduced IQ and learning difficulties
- Behavioral changes
- Long-term neurological effects
The FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative focuses on reducing toxic elements in foods consumed by children. Voluntary recalls aim to remove contaminated cinnamon from circulation.
Why This Matters
This alert follows increased testing after the 2023 applesauce pouch recalls, which traced extreme lead contamination to cinnamon. While current cinnamon levels are lower than those earlier cases, prolonged use still poses a risk. Retail sampling across multiple states—including Arkansas, California, Maryland, Missouri, Connecticut, Virginia, and New York—supports ongoing monitoring, with updates issued as new results emerge.
Quick FAQ
Is my cinnamon safe if it’s not listed?
Yes, only the products and lots identified by the FDA are affected. Consumers should remain vigilant for updates.
What symptoms indicate lead exposure?
Lead poisoning often has no immediate symptoms. Speak with a healthcare provider if a child or pregnant person has consumed listed products.
How can I reduce risk at home?
- Follow a varied, nutrient-rich diet
- Avoid repeated exposure to the same potentially contaminated products
