FDA expands warning to cookware due to lead contamination
The Food and Drug Administration has expanded its warnings about cookware that can leach lead into food.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has added health warnings to more powdered cinnamon products due to elevated lead levels.
On Friday, Oct. 10, the FDA issued an additional health warning warning that HAETAE and Roshni brands of ground cinnamon contain high levels of lead. On October 8, the government added Dura & Wise Ground Cinnamon.
“Exposure to these products may be unsafe,” the agency said in a release.
Since the summer of 2024, the agency has sent out alerts warning of elevated lead levels in a total of 16 cinnamon flour products.
It added Jiva Organic Ground Cinnamon to the list in September, before the FDA issued its warning in October.
The FDA is also analyzing additional cinnamon samples for the presence of high levels of lead.
What has been added to the list?
- HAETAE ground cinnamon– The recall is not posted on the FDA website.
- Roshni Ground Cinnamon– The recall is not posted on the FDA website.
- Grand Shinmomon– Eureka Inc. of the United States has announced a product recall.
- wise wife– SLR Food Distribution, Inc. has announced a product recall. (Note: This brand announced a voluntary recall in September 2025, but the FDA added a health warning in October 2025.)
“FDA has advised companies to voluntarily recall these products, with the exception of HAETAE brand cinnamon,” the FDA warning states. “FDA was unable to contact Haitai Inc. in the U.S. to share our findings and recommend that the company initiate a recall.”
Other cinnamon products listed in public health warnings
In addition to HAETAE, Roshni, Durra, and Wise Wife brand ground cinnamon, the FDA has recommended voluntary recalls of 12 other ground cinnamon products starting in summer 2024 due to elevated lead levels. In 2025, 5 products were added to the health warning list. A complete list of products with health warnings includes:
- La Frontera – There are no recalls posted on the FDA website for this product.
- Asli- Asli Fine Foods has announced a product recall.
- El Chilar – El Chilar has announced a product recall.
- Marcum-Colonna Brothers, Inc. has announced a product recall.
- SWAD – There are no recalls posted on the FDA website for this product.
- Supreme Tradition- Colonna Brothers has announced a product recall.
- Super brand IHA Beverage has announced a recall of the same product.
- Jiva Organics – There are no recalls listed on the FDA website for this product.
- Compania Indillor Orientale – There are no recalls posted on the FDA website for this product.
- ALB Flavor- ALB-USA Enterprises has announced a product recall.
- Shahzada-Advance Food International Inc. has announced a product recall.
- Spice Class – American Spices LLC. has announced a product recall.
What if I own one of the brands included in the health warning?
The FDA recommends that anyone who owns powdered cinnamon products throw it away. Consumers are also advised to avoid purchasing powdered cinnamon products.
Why are elevated lead levels dangerous?
According to the FDA, “short-term exposure to very low levels of lead may not cause symptoms.” The federal agency added that elevated blood lead levels may be the only telltale sign of lead exposure. However, “acute exposure to high levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead is more likely to cause additional signs and symptoms.”
According to the FDA, lead can affect nearly every body system, but the effects vary depending on the amount and duration of exposure and the age and weight of the individual. In children, exposure to large amounts of lead over weeks or months can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, leading to learning disabilities and other long-term health problems, federal officials added.
In adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with impaired kidney function, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects, the FDA said.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of lead poisoning are different for children and adults.
Symptoms of lead poisoning in children
- developmental delay
- learning difficulties
- irritation
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- Feeling sluggish and tired
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- constipation
- hearing loss
- seizure
- Eating things that are not food, such as paint chips (an eating disorder known as pica)
Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults
- high blood pressure
- joint pain and muscle pain
- Decreased memory and concentration
- headache
- abdominal pain
- mood disorder
- Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth in pregnant women
What to do with recalled cinnamon?
The FDA is asking anyone who purchased the recalled Wise Wife brand Ground Cinnamon to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact SLR Food Distribution at 516-437-3782.
Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY, covering scientific research and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn ×Instagram, TikTok: @juliamaigz or email jgomez@hannett.com.
