FDA recalls cinnamon from 11 popular spice brands due to high concentration of lead

Cinnamon is a popular spice known for its strong aroma and medicinal properties. From Indian to Italian, there are many cuisines that celebrate the goodness of this spice. It has a sweet, warm, and woody flavor with a slightly spicy undertone, making it a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Cinnamon is widely used in baking (like cakes, cookies, and pies), beverages (chai, hot chocolate, and mulled wine), curries, and stews. But what if the spice turns out to be the root cause of severe illness? Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled cinnamon of 11 spice brands due to high concentrations of lead. Scroll down to find the details.

According to PMC, cinnamon is rich in polyphenols which are potent antioxidants, protecting the body against oxidative stress and reducing inflammation, which is crucial for overall health and disease prevention. It is also said that cinnamon can reduce triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and even blood pressure, thereby lowering the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. Apart from that, adding cinnamon to the daily diet can help in healing the body and ensuring effective insulin management. It also leads to weight loss, when consumed regularly. Improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help fight infections.

According to reports, FDA has recalled many populars spice brands due to elevated lead levels found in popular brands. The said report says that the most recent products that have been recalled due to excessive lead content are Jiva Organics organic cinnamon powder, Super Brand dried cinnamon powder and Asli cinnamon powder, among others.

In this list, FDA has reecalled 11 brands of ground cinnamon products with elevated lead levels ranging from 2.03 to 7.68 parts per million (ppm). The FDA has recommended that the firms should voluntarily recall these products.

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

As per FDA, consumers should stop using and dispose of such ground cinnamon products. Also, these products have a long shelf life, hence, consumers should check their homes and discard these products.If there’s suspicion that someone has been exposed to elevated levels of lead, one should talk to their healthcare provider. Most people have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure, hence, prevention is better than cure.

Long-term exposure (months to years) to elevated levels of lead in the diet could contribute to adverse health effects, particularly for the portion of the population that may already have elevated blood lead levels from other exposures to lead, states FDA. The potential for adverse health effects from consuming food contaminated with lead vary depending on the level of lead in the food; age of the consumer; length, amount, and frequency of exposure to lead in the food; and other exposures to different sources of lead. High levels of exposure to lead in utero, infancy, and early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, maintaining good nutrition can help protect the body against the harmful health effects that may result from chronic or accidental exposure to lead over time. The FDA also emphasizes the importance of regularly indulging in a wide variety of wholesome, nutrient-rich foods as part of everyday eating habits to support overall wellness, resilience, and long-term health. Having adequate nutrients consistently stored in the body can further strengthen natural defenses and prevent lead from exerting its damaging effects on vital organs, tissues, and systems, including the brain, kidneys, and cardiovascular system, while also supporting liver function, antioxidant activity, and cellular repair. To achieve the right balance and ensure proper variety, the FDA recommends that consumers include foods from all five major groups, vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein foods, while also alternating how often the same foods are provided, thereby creating healthier, more diverse, balanced, protective, and nutritionally robust meals for all ages. Incorporating whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fortified products also supports detoxification and overall immune system strength effectively.