Cinnamon recall issued over dangerous lead contamination

Cinnamon recall overview:

• Who: Multiple spice brands have recalled ground cinnamon products.
• Why: The products may contain elevated lead levels.
• Where: The cinnamon recall is active in multiple states nationwide.

Multiple brands are recalling ground cinnamon products in states across the United States, as they may contain elevated levels of lead.

According to announcements posted on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website on July 3, the recalls involve products from American Spices LLC., Advance Food International Inc., and ALB-USA Enterprises Inc.

Spice Class cinnamon recall

American Spices recalled its Spice Class brand ground cinnamon packaged in 7-ounce and 11-ounce plastic jars. The company distributed the product to retailers in New York City between Dec. 1, 2023, and May 15, 2024, with an expiration date of Dec. 2026.

The recall was initiated after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM) found elevated lead levels in the product. The company has stopped production and distribution while the FDA and the company investigate the cause. 

Shahzada cinnamon recall

Advance Food International has recalled its Shahzada brand cinnamon powder in 7-ounce packaging. The product was distributed to retailers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts between Jan. 1 and May 24, 2024. 

The recall also followed a NYSAGM analysis revealing elevated lead levels. 

ALB Flavor cinnamon recall

ALB-USA Enterprises has also recalled its ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder, distributed to retailers in New York, Connecticut, Michigan and Massachusetts between Dec. 15, 2022, and May 13, 2024. The recalled product is packaged in a plastic bag with a net weight of 100 grams, bearing the UPC code 5304000333362, a “Best Before” date of Aug 30, 2025, and lot number LA02. 

No illnesses have been reported so far in connection with the recalled items. The companies are not currently facing legal action, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes end in lawsuits.

Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, including hypertension, kidney dysfunction, and cognitive decline in adults, and developmental problems in children, the recall says.

The FDA advises consumers to stop using the recalled products immediately and to seek refunds.

The recalls come amid ongoing concerns over elevated metal levels in food products, with the FDA and CDC continuing to monitor and investigate the incidents to protect public health.

In January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it received 87 complaints/reports of adverse events that could be linked to a WanaBana applesauce pouch recall. In December last year, Wanabana was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging it failed to inform consumers that its applesauce products are contaminated with unsafe levels of lead, putting consumers’ health at risk. 

Have you checked your kitchen for these cinnamon products? Let us know in the comments.

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