In a concerning development for consumers nationwide, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its recall of ground cinnamon products, now affecting 12 different brands sold at popular retailers including Dollar Tree and Save-A-Lot. The recall comes after testing revealed elevated lead levels that pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations.

The Scope of the Recall

The FDA has recalled 12 different brands of cinnamon nationwide due to elevated levels of lead, marking a significant expansion of previous recalls. Based on results from the survey, the FDA is recommending recalls of ground cinnamon from six distributors whose products had elevated lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 3.4 parts per million (ppm).

The recalled brands include products sold at major retailers across the country:

• Supreme Tradition - sold at Dollar Tree
• Marcum - sold at Save-A-Lot Food Stores
• SWAD - sold at Patel Brothers
• El Chilar - sold at El Torito Market
• Compania Indillor Orientale - sold at Eurogrocery
• ALB Flavor - sold at Eurogrocery
• Shahzada - sold at Premium Supermarket
• Spice Class - sold at Fish World
• La Frontera - various retailers

The recalled cinnamon brands include: El Chilar, sold at El Torito Market · Marcum, sold at Save-A-Lot Food Stores · SWAD, sold at Patel Brothers · Supreme Tradition, sold at Dollar Tree · Compania Indillor Orientale, sold at Eurogrocery · ALB Flavor, sold at Eurogrocery · Shahzada, sold at Premium Supermarket and other locations.

Health Risks and Consumer Advisory

Consuming the cinnamon "may be unsafe," and consumers should throw away the products immediately, the FDA warned. Consuming the affected cinnamon could lead to elevated levels of lead in the blood, which can cause health problems after long-term exposure, according to the FDA.

Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for:

• Young children - who are more susceptible to lead poisoning, which can affect brain development and learning
• Pregnant women - as lead can cross the placenta and harm developing fetuses
• Adults - who may experience cardiovascular and neurological effects from chronic exposure

Fortunately, "No illnesses or adverse events have been reported to date in association with these products," the FDA said in the recall notice.

What Consumers Should Do

The FDA's guidance is clear and immediate:

1. Stop using recalled products immediately - Check your spice cabinet for any of the affected brands
2. Dispose of recalled cinnamon - The FDA is advising consumers to throw these 12 brands of ground cinnamon away and not to buy these products going forward until further notice
3. Check lot numbers and expiration dates - Specific lot codes are associated with the recalled products
4. Seek refunds - Many retailers are offering full refunds for returned products

A Pattern of Contamination

This recall represents an escalation of ongoing concerns about lead contamination in cinnamon products. Beginning in October 2023, the FDA recalled several brands of cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches, including WanaBana, Weis and Schnucks for possibly having lead. That earlier incident was particularly serious, with lead levels between 2,270 and 5,110 ppm lead in the cinnamon found in applesauce products.

The recall expands on an earlier ... recalls of nine brands of ground cinnamon products with elevated lead levels, ranging from 2.03 to 7.01 parts per million (ppm), showing this is an ongoing issue requiring vigilant monitoring.

The Regulatory Response

The FDA has recommended that the firms voluntarily recall these products, with the exception of the MTCI cinnamon. The FDA has been unable to reach MTCI to share our findings and request that the company initiate a recall, highlighting challenges in enforcement when companies don't cooperate.

The agency has been working to address systemic issues in spice safety. Despite the dangers of consuming lead, we still have no national limit on heavy metals in spices, according to Consumer Reports, which has been advocating for stronger regulations.

Looking Forward

This recall underscores the importance of food safety monitoring and the need for stricter standards in spice importation and processing. Consumers should remain vigilant about food recalls and always check FDA alerts when concerns arise about products they use regularly.

For the most current information about this recall, consumers should visit the FDA's official website and check for updates, as the agency continues to work with manufacturers to ensure contaminated products are removed from store shelves.

If you have consumed any of the recalled cinnamon products and are concerned about potential lead exposure, especially if you are pregnant or have young children, consult with your healthcare provider about appropriate testing and monitoring.