Ground Cinnamon Recalled Nationwide Due to Elevated Lead Levels

The FDA has issued a nationwide recall for specific brands of ground cinnamon for elevated lead concentrations. This recall follows the children's applesauce pouch recall last fall due to elevated lead levels, which resulted in dozens of children becoming ill with lead poisoning. After that recall, the FDA began a review of ground cinnamon products, found elevated lead levels, and issued warnings.

According to the FDA, the lead levels in the recalled ground cinnamon products "are significantly lower than lead levels in cinnamon in the recalled apple sauce pouches removed from the market this past fall."

The FDA confirmed that the lead and chromium previously detected in the cinnamon applesauce pouches were from lead chromate, a substance historically "illegally added to certain spices increase to their weight and color, increasing the monetary value of the adulterated spices."

No illnesses due to the ground cinnamon products in this recall have been reported at the time of this writing. However, the FDA warns that continued or prolonged use of the products may be unsafe.

The FDA urges consumers not to purchase recalled cinnamon at certain retailers and to throw away the recalled ground cinnamon if they have it in their homes. 

How to Know if Your Cinnamon Has Been Recalled

The FDA’s recall page has posted the following information for the recalled cinnamon products: