FDA Issues Health Alert on 18 Cinnamon Brands Contaminated with Lead

The FDA's Recent Health Alert on Cinnamon

In a significant health alert dated October 31, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that two additional brands of ground cinnamon, DEVI and BaiLiFeng, are now on the list of products that may contain elevated levels of lead. This brings the total to 18 brands highlighted by the FDA, sparking concerns among consumers nationwide.

The agency's assessment indicates that consumption of these spices could lead to elevated lead levels in the bloodstream, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this public health issue. Consequently, the FDA has requested recalls for these products. As of now, twelve of these brands have issued recall notices, but consumers are still advised to dispose of any such products immediately.

Brands Identified by the FDA

The FDA has reported lead levels in these 18 brands, ranging from 2.03 parts per million (ppm) to a concerning 10.7 ppm:

• DEVI (2.92 ppm)
• BaiLiFeng (10.7 ppm)
• Roshni (2.268 ppm)
• HAETAE (4.60 ppm)
• Durra (2.44 ppm)
• Wise Wife (2.49 ppm)
• Jiva Organics (2.29 ppm)
• Super Brand (7.68 and 6.60 ppm)
• Asli (2.32 ppm)
• El Chilar (3.75 and 7.01 ppm)
• Marcum (2.22 and 2.14 ppm)
• SWAD (2.89 ppm)
• Supreme Tradition (2.37 ppm)
• Compania Indillor Orientale (2.23 ppm)
• ALB Flavor (3.93 ppm)
• Shahzada (2.03 ppm)
• Spice Class (2.04 ppm)
• La Frontera (2.66 ppm)

The Tainted Legacy of Cinnamon

Lead contamination in cinnamon is not a new phenomenon. It's often linked to various factors, including soil contamination and issues arising during processing and packaging. Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, explains that cinnamon grows from the inner bark of certain tree species and can absorb contaminants from the soil where it's cultivated. Lead from industrial waste may enter the product during growth, leading to health risks for consumers.

To combat this ongoing issue, the FDA closely monitors lead levels in food products. In 2023, they initiated an investigation into tainted cinnamon in applesauce that led to numerous pediatric lead poisoning cases. Some brands, including WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks, eventually recalled their products due to this contamination.

In previous years, the FDA had also issued multiple alerts about cinnamon products with high lead levels, underscoring a troubling trend. Ronholm expressed some reassurance about the agency's continued scrutiny of such products, even amidst budgetary and staffing challenges.

Health Implications of Lead Exposure

The FDA has made it clear that there is no recognized safe level of lead exposure. Long-term exposure can trigger a spectrum of adverse health outcomes, particularly dangerous for young children, where it can lead to learning disabilities, behavior problems, and reduced IQ.

Even adults are not spared; prolonged exposure to lead can heighten risks of hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and kidney damage, as affirmed by the World Health Organization. Prompt actions from consumers and strict monitoring are pivotal to safeguarding public health and avoiding the grave consequences of lead exposure.

As we navigate this troubling landscape of food safety, it is imperative for consumers to remain informed and proactive about the products they bring into their homes. The FDA's continued vigilance on this issue highlights the essential balance between consumer choice and safety, reminding us that even everyday items like cinnamon demand careful scrutiny.