Ground Cinnamon Recalled Due to Elevated Lead Levels—Here's What to Know

The Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of ground cinnamon due to elevated levels of lead. Three brands, ALB-USA Enterprises Inc., American Spices LLC, and Advance Food International Inc. have recalled their ground cinnamon products as a result of this finding.

ALB-USA Enterprises Inc. has recalled their ALB Flavor brand Cinnamon Powder. The product has a UPC of 5304000333362 and a Best Before date of August 30, 2025. The cinnamon was distributed in New York, Connecticut, Michigan and Massachusetts. American Spices LLC has also recalled its product Spice Class brand Ground Cinnamon, which has an expiration date of December 2026 and was distributed in New York City. Advance Food International Inc. recalled the Shahzada brand Cinnamon Powder, which was distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. No expiration date or UPC number was provided for this product. 

While short-term exposure to lead may not cause any symptoms, chronic lead exposure over time can have harmful effects. Children are more vulnerable due to their size and metabolism. Lead exposure in young children can cause permanent damage to their nervous system, leading to developmental defects, learning disorders and other long-term health problems. In adults, it can cause kidney dysfunction, neurocognitive issues and hypertension.

Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported, though all three companies urge consumers to discontinue using the product immediately and return it for a refund.

For those who have purchased ALB Flavor brand Ground Cinnamon, reach out to the company directly from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday by calling (917) 922-5627. For Advance Food International Inc, you can call (718)-482-0123 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. For Spice Class brand Ground Cinnamon, you can call the company at (917) 532-6768.