FDA Expands Public Health Alert for Ground Cinnamon Due to Elevated Lead Levels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an updated public health alert, adding several more brands of ground cinnamon to its ongoing advisory due to the presence of elevated levels of lead. Consumers are strongly advised to discard these products as exposure to them may be unsafe.

The FDA’s investigation, involving product testing by state programs and confirmation by the agency, has identified multiple ground cinnamon products containing lead concentrations that pose a potential health risk. Consumers should immediately stop using and dispose of the affected ground cinnamon products. These items should not be sold or served. Given that these products have a long shelf life, consumers are urged to check their homes and discard any of the specified brands.

The FDA recommends that individuals who suspect they or a family member may have been exposed to elevated lead levels consult a healthcare provider. While many people may not exhibit immediate symptoms of lead exposure, prompt medical attention is advised for those experiencing any related symptoms. Consumers can report complaints or adverse events, such as illnesses or serious allergic reactions, through the FDA’s Industry and Consumer Assistance portal.

The latest updates to the alert include DEVI-brand and BaiLiFeng-brand ground cinnamon, with lead concentrations of 2.92 ppm and 10.7 ppm, respectively. Other brands now included in the advisory are Roshni, HAETAE (HT), Durra, Wise Wife, Jiva Organics, Super Brand, Asli, El Chilar, Marcum, Supreme Tradition, SWAD, Compania Indillor Orientale, ALB Flavor, Shahzada, Spice Class, and La Frontera. The lead levels detected in these products range from 2.03 ppm to 7.68 ppm.

The FDA is taking these additional steps as part of its commitment to reducing childhood exposure to lead, aligning with its Closer to Zero initiative. Removing these products from the market is intended to prevent further lead exposure in the diets of children, who are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead. While these products are not exclusively marketed to young children, cinnamon is a common ingredient in many foods consumed by this age group.

The agency is continuing to analyze cinnamon and review sample results from state partners who are actively testing ground cinnamon at retail locations for elevated lead levels. The FDA intends to update this public health alert as necessary if additional products are found to contain elevated lead and pose a safety risk. The current findings are part of a broader effort by the FDA and its state partners to monitor for lead and chromium contamination in food products. This includes testing of ground cinnamon in states such as Arkansas, California, Maryland, Missouri, Connecticut, and Virginia, as well as samples collected by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

To mitigate the health effects of lead exposure, the FDA recommends good nutrition, emphasizing a varied diet that includes foods from all five food groups: vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein foods. Consuming a diverse range of foods helps prevent overexposure to any single contaminant and ensures the body receives essential nutrients for health and development, particularly for children.

The FDA is also actively working with states to test cinnamon at retail and during import processes to prevent unsafe cinnamon from reaching U.S. consumers. The agency is committed to preventing the entry of contaminated products into the U.S. market by adding non-compliant firms and products to import alerts. Food suppliers, both domestic and foreign, are advised to voluntarily test their products containing cinnamon to ensure their safety. Manufacturers and importers are ultimately responsible for the safety of products entering the U.S. market. In March 2024, the FDA reminded cinnamon manufacturers and distributors of their obligation to implement controls to prevent chemical contamination in food products.

Additionally, the FDA is pursuing legislative proposals to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which would expressly require industry to test final products, including those for infants and young children, for contaminants and maintain records for FDA inspection.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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