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Additional batches of powdered cinnamon products were recently recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to elevated lead levels.
DEVI brand and BaiLiFeng brand cinnamon have been added to the list of spice products subject to a recall dating back to July 30, 2024. Samples of both products were collected at retail stores, the FDA said in a Thursday, Oct. 30 notice.
“Through product testing through national programs and FDA confirmation, FDA has determined that the listed powdered cinnamon products contain high levels of lead and that exposure to these products may be unsafe,” the regulator said.
In the months since the initial advisory was issued, the FDA has provided various updates warning consumers to throw away affected products and avoid purchasing them.
Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing cinnamon recall, including a list of affected spices.
FDA continues to test cinnamon for toxins
Although no illnesses or adverse effects have been reported associated with the affected products, long-term exposure “may be unsafe” and “may contribute to elevated blood lead levels,” the FDA found.
Authorities warned that young people are “particularly vulnerable” due to their smaller size, faster metabolism and growth. High levels of lead exposure during early childhood can cause neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavioral difficulties, and reduced IQ.
FDA will continue to work with state partners to analyze and review samples of cinnamon sold directly to consumers and at the time of import.
Grand Cinnamon recall: affected products, remedies
The latest product to be added to the recall, DEVI brand and BaiLiFeng brand ground cinnamon, increases to 18 the number of products distributed and sold at multiple retailers across the United States, including Dollar Trees in California and Fish World in New York.
In some cases, the affected products were shipped to multiple retail stores in a particular region or to “various supermarkets across the country,” the FDA said.
Consumers who have purchased the affected products are being urged to throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
Cinnamon brands listed with FDA health warnings include:
- Devi
- Bailiffen
- Roshni
- Hetae (HT)
- Dura
- wise wife
- jiva organic
- super brand
- original
- killer
- markham
- Swad
- supreme tradition
- oriental indie company
- ALB flavor
- Shahzada
- spice class
- border
Additional information about affected products, including lead concentrations and universal product codes, can be accessed here.
Consumers who suspect they may have been exposed to lead or who experience symptoms associated with acute lead poisoning after ingesting an affected product should report symptoms and seek care from a health care provider.
To report a complaint or adverse event, such as an illness or serious allergic reaction, visit FDA’s Industry and Consumer Assistance.
