If you're a fan of getting a good deal on your spices (who isn't, this day and age!) it's super important that you check out the ground cinnamon in your pantry. Last week the FDA announced an alert on 6 brands of cinnamon that have tested positive for high levels of lead. Many of the brands are found at discount grocers. This week, all but one of the companies that produce the brands under the FDA alert have issued voluntary recalls for possibly contaminated products. Fourteen lots of ground cinnamon have been afffected. 

Why Is There Lead In My Cinnamon?

The FDA initiated testing of ground cinnamon for lead and chromium after a similar recall for lead contamination targeted cinnamon used in popular applesauce pouches. While lead is naturally occurring and can contaminate product through the manufacturing process, the FDA has a theory that cinnamon producers could have intentionally contaminated their product. Cinnamon is sold by weight and lead makes it heavier. However, additional investigations need to occur before the FDA reaches any conclusions.  

What to Do If You Have Recalled Ground Cinnamon

If you find any of the below brands in your pantry, discard the product immediately.  Do not consume it. Contact the manufacturer directly for further guidance on returns or refunds. There are 6 brands currently on the FDA's alert list, 5 of which are under voluntary recall. 

• Marcum Ground Cinnamon (produced by Moran Foods LLC.)- is under voluntary recall and was distributed nationwide. Product has best by dates and lot codes of 10/16/25 10DB and 04/06/25 0400B1 (Missouri).
• Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon (produced by Greenbriar International, Inc.)- is under voluntary recall and was distributed nationwide at Dollar tree and Family Dollar Stores. They have best by dates and lot codes of 09/29/25 09E8, 04/17/25 04E11, 12/19/25 12C2, 04/12/25 04ECB12, 08/24/25 08A_ _, 04/21/25 04E5, 04/21/25 04E5 , 2025-09-22 09E20 (Missouri)

• MK Brand (produced by MTCI)- the FDA has not been able to contact this company that's based in Santa Fe Springs California. However, the FDA has issued an alert on their product. There are no codes on the product. It was sold at SF Supermarket.

• Swad (produced by Raja Foods)- this brand is under voluntary recall and distributed potentially tainted product in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southwest regions of the US. The product has a lot code of KX21223.

• El Chilar (produced by El Chilar Rodriguez)- this brand is under voluntary recall and distributed product throughout Maryland at La Joya Morelense. The lot codes are F275EX1026 (Maryland) and D300EX1024 (Maryland).

• Fiesta Brand Ground Cinnamon (La Fiesta Foods, Inc.)- this brand is under voluntary recall and distributed potentially tainted product in Arizona, California, Texas, and Washington from April 20, 2023 through May 3, 2023. Products were sold at La Superior Super Mercados and have a Lot Code of 25033.

Visit the FDA website for additional information, updates, and to report any adverse reactions.